Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK Commences Between Indian and Uzbekistan Army

Joint military exercise ‘DUSTLIK’ between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan Army began on 20th February in Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand). The exercise is aimed at promoting positive relations between both armies.

45 soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are participating in the 14-day long joint exercise. The Indian Army contingent comprises of troops from an Infantry Battalion from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment. The first edition of the exercise was held at Uzbekistan in November 2019.

The joint exercise would focus on joint counter-terrorist operations in mountainous and semi-urban scenarios under UN mandate. The exercise will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and culminate with a validation exercise. Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats, while learning to exploit new generation equipment and technology for conducting joint operations.

Emphasis is being laid on increasing interoperability between the forces. The exercise will enable understanding of each other’s organisation and methodology of conducting various operations. The bonhomie, esprit-de-corps, and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in further strengthening the bonds between both armies.

Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK Commences Between Indian and Uzbekistan Army

Joint military exercise ‘DUSTLIK’ between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan Army began on 20th February in Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand). The exercise is aimed at promoting positive relations between both armies.

45 soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are participating in the 14-day long joint exercise. The Indian Army contingent comprises of troops from an Infantry Battalion from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment. The first edition of the exercise was held at Uzbekistan in November 2019.

The joint exercise would focus on joint counter-terrorist operations in mountainous and semi-urban scenarios under UN mandate. The exercise will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and culminate with a validation exercise. Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats, while learning to exploit new generation equipment and technology for conducting joint operations.

Emphasis is being laid on increasing interoperability between the forces. The exercise will enable understanding of each other’s organisation and methodology of conducting various operations. The bonhomie, esprit-de-corps, and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in further strengthening the bonds between both armies.

2022

29-Mar-2022: Exercise Dustlik concludes

The 3rd edition of Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field Training Exercise “ EX DUSTLIK” concluded at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan on 29 March 2022. The joint exercise provided an opportunity for both the contingents to train in Counter Terrorism operations in an semi-urban environment. The last two days of the exercise was dedicated to a validation exercise where both contingents jointly conducted simulated operations over extremist groups under a United Nations Mandate.

The conduct of this exercise, which covered a vast spectrum from cross training & combat conditioning in field conditions, to sports and cultural exchanges has been a grand success. “Exercise DUSTLIK” will enhance the level of defence cooperation between both the Armies and will act as a catalyst for many such joint programs in future to further consolidate the traditional bond of friendship between India and Uzbekistan.

22-Mar-2022: Indian Army contingent departs for Ex-Dustlik 2022

The 3rd edition of joint training exercise between Indian and Uzbekistan armies, EX-DUSTLIK is being conducted at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan from 22 to 31 March 2022. The Indian contingent which comprises of a platoon strength of Grenadiers Regiment departed for the exercise area on 22 March 2022 to join the Uzbekistan Army contingent represented by troops of the North Western Military District. The last edition of DUSTLIK was conducted in Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) in March 2021.

The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain under a United Nations Mandate. The training schedule will focus primarily on sharing of tactical level drills and learning of best practices from each other. The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between two armies. The exercise will culminate in a 24 hour long validation exercise which will be a test bed for the soldiers of both armies as they would be undergoing the challenges of simulated operations in such scenarios.

The Grenadiers battalion nominated for the exercise is one of the highly decorated battalions of Indian Army and has the unique distinction of participating in almost all the Pre and Post-Independence Operations. The unit has been awarded eight Pre-Independence Battle Honours. Post-Independence, it has earned theatre honour ‘RAJASTHAN’ in 1965 war and battle honour ‘JARPAL’ in 1971 war.

2021

10-Mar-2021: Indo-Uzbekistan Field Training Exercise 'DUSTLIK ' commences in Ranikhet(Uttarakhand)

The India – Uzbekistan joint military exercise “DUSTLIK II” commenced today in Foreign Training Node Chaubatia, Ranikhet (Uttarakhand). This is the Second Edition of annual bilateral joint exercise of both armies. It will continue till 19th March 2021. The first edition of the exercise was held at Uzbekistan in Nov 2019.

45 Soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are participating in the exercise. Both contingents will be sharing their expertise and skills in the field of counter terrorist operations in mountainous/rural/urban scenario under UN mandate. The exercise will culminate into a 36 hours joint validation exercise scheduled from 17 to 18 March 21. The validation exercise will be a test bed for the soldiers of both armies as they would be undergoing the challenges of actual operations in such scenarios.

This joint exercise will definitely provide impetus to the ever growing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations and also reflects the strong resolve of both nations to counter terrorism.

2019

13-Nov-2019: Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field Training exercise (FTX)-2019 Exercise Dustlik-2019

The inaugural Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field Training Exercise (FTX)-2019, Exercise DUSTLIK-2019 culminated on 13 November 2019 after 10 days of joint training with Uzbekistan Army.

In the joint exercise which began on 04 November 2019 training was focused on counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in urban scenario as well as sharing of expertise on skills at arms, both combat shooting and experiences in counter insurgency and counter terrorism. The exercise also provided an opportunity to armies of all nations for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.

After intense military training, the joint exercise concluded with both Armies exhibiting their combat power and dominance over the extremist groups. The closing ceremony showcased the immense talent with unique traditional touch of both nations. It was conducted at Chirchiq Training Area, Uzbekistan. The senior officials expressed great satisfaction with high standards achieved in the exercise.

The bonhomie, spirit de corps and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in future strengthening the bonds between our armed forces enabling us in understanding each other’s organisation and methodology of conducting various operations.