Strengthening Strategic Ties Through Ground-Level Action

India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Begins in Pune: The 6th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK, a joint military drill between India and Uzbekistan, kicked off on April 16, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. Lasting until April 28, this bilateral exercise brings soldiers together for more than just coordination—it builds real-world camaraderie and shared tactical expertise. Alternating annually between the two nations, the last edition was held in Termez District, Uzbekistan, in 2024.

What’s the Mission? Sub-Conventional Ops in a Semi-Urban Setting

The core theme of this year’s edition is “Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario.” Imagine a situation where a terrorist outfit takes control of a populated town—troops from both nations must secure the area, establish a Joint Operations Centre, and carry out coordinated raids, cordon-and-search missions, and population control measures. It’s more than just marching in sync—it’s strategic war simulation at its finest.

Who’s in the Field?

India has deployed 60 soldiers, primarily from the JAT Regiment, alongside personnel from the Indian Air Force. On the other side, the Uzbekistan Army is actively participating with an experienced contingent. Together, they form a coalition unit trained to execute Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) and Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE) under hostile conditions.

Technology Meets Tactics: Drones, Helipads, and Counter-UAS

This edition isn’t just about boots on the ground. Troops are making use of drones for surveillance, helicopters for insertion and fire support, and advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to detect and neutralize enemy drones. One key objective is to secure a helipad, proving the ability to sustain air logistics even in disrupted, hostile environments.

Why This Exercise Matters

DUSTLIK is more than a display of strength—it’s a symbol of evolving India-Central Asia defence relations. It allows both sides to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and simulate real-time responses to modern terror threats. As international threats become more hybrid and urban in nature, such drills prepare militaries to tackle challenges that no single force can face alone.

For India, exercises like DUSTLIK also help maintain strategic influence in Central Asia, a region of growing geopolitical significance.

STATIC GK SNAPSHOT

India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Begins in Pune: