The Indian Army contingent departed on Monday (15th April 2024) to take part in the fifth edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK. The exercise will be conducted from 15th to 28th of this month at Termez in Uzbekistan.

According to the Defence Ministry, the Indian Armed Forces contingent comprises 60 personnel while 100 personnel will participate from the Uzbekistan side. The exercise is aimed at fostering military cooperation and enhancing combined capabilities to execute joint operations in mountainous as well as semi urban terrain. Focus will be laid on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills during the DUSTLIK exercise.

The exercise will enable the two sides to share their best practices and facilitate inter-operability. Exercise DUSTLIK is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. Last edition was conducted at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand in February last year.