As India & Uzbekistan commence 4th joint military exercise ‘Dustlik’, take a look at what it’s all about

The 4th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dustlik’ between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, India on Monday (February 20, 2023). Here’s a look at what the exercise is all about 1. According to India's Ministry of Defence, the 14-day-long exercise will focus on joint counter-terrorism operations in a mountainous and semi-urban scenario under a UN mandate. 2. A total of 45 soldiers from each side are participating in the exercise, which is aimed at promoting positive relations between the two armies. 3. The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from an infantry battalion from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment. 4. During the exercise, the soldiers from both sides will engage in field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, and demonstrations. The exercise will culminate with a validation exercise to test the skills learned during the training. 5. Both sides will jointly train, plan, and execute a series of tactical drills for the neutralization of likely threats while learning to exploit new-generation equipment and technology for conducting joint operations. 6. The focus of the exercise is to increase interoperability between the forces. 7. The joint exercise is expected to enhance the bonhomie, esprit-de-corps, and goodwill between the armies of both nations, and it will go a long way toward further strengthening the bonds between the armies by enabling understanding of each other’s organization and methodology for conducting various operations. 8. The exercise is taking place amid growing security concerns in the region, and it is an important step toward building mutual trust and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. 9. The joint exercise also demonstrates the commitment of both nations toward maintaining peace and stability in the region. 10. The first edition of Exercise 'Duslik', which means friendship in the Uzbek language, was held in Uzbekistan in November 2019.