India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Begins at Foreign Training Node, Aundh
Published on: April 16, 2025
Location: Pune, India
The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise, DUSTLIK-VI, officially commenced on April 16, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. Scheduled to run until April 28, 2025, this joint military drill aims to deepen strategic defense cooperation between the two nations while enhancing combat readiness in sub-conventional scenarios.
Overview of Exercise DUSTLIK-VI
Exercise DUSTLIK is a bilateral military engagement conducted annually on a rotational basis between India and Uzbekistan. The previous edition, DUSTLIK-V, was hosted in Termez District, Uzbekistan in April 2024.
This year, DUSTLIK-VI brings together troops from both countries to train on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in semi-urban environments.
Participating Units and Personnel
India is represented by a battalion of the JAT Regiment along with personnel from the Indian Air Force (IAF), comprising a total of 60 personnel.
The Uzbekistan contingent includes troops from the Uzbekistan Army.
Key Objectives and Training Focus
The exercise centers around counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban areas and includes the following components:
Joint Operations Center (JOC) setup at battalion level
Counter-terrorism drills such as:
Population control measures
Raids and search-and-destroy operations
Firepower deployment including air assets
Helipad security and special force missions including:
Reconnaissance and surveillance
Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO)
Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE)
Drone operations and Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) measures
Logistical support and air operations for sustained deployment in hostile terrain
Strategic Significance
The primary aim of Exercise DUSTLIK-VI is to strengthen military interoperability, enhance tactical coordination, and foster mutual trust between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan.
The joint drill serves as a platform to:
Share Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for sub-conventional warfare
Improve joint operational efficiency
Promote bilateral defense relations
Encourage military diplomacy and camaraderie
Enhancing India-Uzbekistan Defence Partnership
India and Uzbekistan have consistently worked to bolster their defense relationship through such military exchanges. Exercises like DUSTLIK play a vital role in:
Facilitating knowledge exchange
Encouraging joint preparedness against evolving threats
Reinforcing regional stability and cooperation
By conducting this exercise in diverse terrains and operational scenarios, both nations reaffirm their commitment to collaborative security and regional peacebuilding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Exercise DUSTLIK?
Exercise DUSTLIK is a joint annual military exercise between India and Uzbekistan, focused on enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities and joint operational readiness.
When and where is DUSTLIK-VI taking place?
DUSTLIK-VI is being held from April 16 to April 28, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune, India.
Which forces are participating in DUSTLIK-VI?
India is represented by a battalion of the JAT Regiment and personnel from the Indian Air Force, while Uzbekistan is represented by troops from the Uzbekistan Army.
What is the main theme of DUSTLIK-VI?
The exercise is centered on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a semi-urban scenario, focusing on counter-terrorism missions, drone deployment, and air support.
Why is Exercise DUSTLIK important?
It enhances military interoperability, strengthens defense ties between India and Uzbekistan, and improves tactical skills in managing real-world threats.
