DUSTLIK-VI Exercise

Prelims Bits

 

Context:

The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘DUSTLIK-VI’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune.

Exercise Theme:

Focused on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in semi-urban environments.

About the Exercise:

DUSTLIK is an annual bilateral defence exercise aimed at improving interoperability between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan. It also facilitates the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), especially in response to counter-terrorism scenarios.

Key Operational Activities:

• Formation of a Joint Operations Centre
• Execution of raids and search-and-destroy missions
• Helipad securing by special forces
• Use of airborne firepower and support operations

Aerial Component:

The exercise also highlights air-ground synergy, featuring:

• Deployment of drones and anti-drone (counter-UAS) systems
• Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO)
• STIE missions (Small Team Insertion & Extraction)
• Reconnaissance and logistical air support

Strategic Value:

This exercise not only enhances operational coordination and defence cooperation between the two nations but also deepens mutual trust and strengthens India’s military diplomacy in Central Asia.

About Uzbekistan

• A landlocked nation in Central Asia, and one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (i.e., surrounded entirely by other landlocked nations — the other being Liechtenstein).
• Neighbouring Countries: Bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan.