‘DUSTLIK 2024’: India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise

The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 5th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, 'DUSTLIK 2024.' The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from April 15 to 28, 2024, in the Termez district of Uzbekistan.

Exercise 'DUSTLIK' is an annual event that is conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. The previous edition of the exercise was held in Pithoragarh, India, in February 2023. The upcoming edition aims to foster military cooperation and enhance the combined capabilities of the two nations to execute joint operations in mountainous and semi-urban terrain.

Composition of the Participating Contingents

The Indian Armed Forces contingent for 'DUSTLIK 2024' comprises 60 personnel, with 45 soldiers from the Indian Army's JAT Regiment and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The Uzbekistan contingent, consisting of approximately 100 personnel, will be represented by the Southern Operational Command, part of the South-West Military District of the Uzbekistan Army and Air Force.

The inclusion of personnel from combat support arms and services, in addition to the infantry, has enhanced the complexity of this edition of the exercise. Additionally, the Indian Army contingent includes two women officers, one from the Regiment of Artillery and the other from the Army Medical Corps, reflecting the growing participation of women in the armed forces.

Objectives and Focus Areas of the Exercise

The aim of Exercise 'DUSTLIK 2024' is to foster military cooperation and enhance the combined capabilities of the Indian and Uzbekistan armed forces to execute joint operations in various terrains. The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills, and basics of special arms skills.

The tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise include:

1.  Creation of a Joint Command Post

2.  Establishing an Intelligence and Surveillance Center

3.  Securing of landing sites

4.  Small Team Insertion and Extraction

5.  Special Heliborne Operations

6.  Cordon and Search Operations

7.  Room Intervention Drills

8.  Demolition of illegal structures

The exercise will also incorporate multi-domain operations, with the participation of personnel from combat support arms and services, enhancing the overall scope and complexity of the training.

Strengthening Defense Cooperation and Bilateral Relations

Exercise 'DUSTLIK' serves as a platform to strengthen the defense cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Uzbekistan. The exercise provides an opportunity for the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations.

By facilitating the development of inter-operability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between the soldiers of both countries, the exercise aims to enhance the level of defense cooperation and further foster the bilateral relationship between India and Uzbekistan.

Geopolitical Significance of the India-Uzbekistan Partnership

Uzbekistan's strategic location in the heart of Central Asia and its rich mineral and hydrocarbon resources have made the country a center of attraction for global superpowers. As a newly independent nation after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has emerged as an important player in the regional security landscape.

India's deepening defense cooperation with Uzbekistan, through initiatives like Exercise 'DUSTLIK,' is part of its broader strategy to strengthen ties with Central Asian countries. This engagement aligns with India's geopolitical interests in the region, which include enhancing regional security, promoting economic integration, and countering the influence of other major powers.

Moreover, Uzbekistan's location and its potential as a gateway to the broader Central Asian region make it a crucial partner for India in the pursuit of its regional and global strategic objectives. The 'DUSTLIK' exercise, therefore, holds significant importance in the context of India's regional diplomacy and its efforts to establish a stronger footprint in the Central Asian geopolitical landscape.

The Evolution of the 'DUSTLIK' Exercise

The first edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, 'DUSTLIK,' was held in Uzbekistan in November 2019. Since then, the exercise has been conducted annually, with the previous edition taking place in Pithoragarh, India, in February 2023.

The exercise has evolved over the years, with the scope and complexity of the training activities increasing with each edition. The focus has shifted from basic joint counter-terrorism operations to more advanced multi-domain operations, reflecting the growing maturity and depth of the defense cooperation between the two countries.

The participation of combat support arms and services, as well as the inclusion of women officers in the Indian contingent, underscores the exercise's commitment to fostering a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to joint training and operations.

Conclusion: Strengthening the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership

The 5th edition of Exercise 'DUSTLIK 2024' in Termez, Uzbekistan, represents a significant milestone in the evolving defense cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. The exercise provides a valuable platform for the two nations to enhance their military interoperability, share best practices, and deepen their strategic partnership.

As India and Uzbekistan navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of Central Asia, the 'DUSTLIK' exercise serves as a testament to their shared commitment to regional security and stability. By strengthening defense ties and fostering people-to-people connections, the exercise contributes to the broader goal of establishing India as a key player in the region and strengthening its strategic partnerships with countries like Uzbekistan.

The success of the 'DUSTLIK' exercise and the continued progress in India-Uzbekistan defense cooperation will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the bilateral relationship, paving the way for further collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange. As the two nations continue to work together, the 'DUSTLIK' exercise will remain an important pillar in their evolving strategic partnership.