India and Uzbekistan have embarked on their latest joint military venture, DUSTLIK II, at the Foreign Training Node Chaubatia in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand. This exercise marks a significant collaboration between the two nations’ armies and emphasizes their commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.
Overview of DUSTLIK II
DUSTLIK is the annual bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian and Uzbekistani armies. The second edition of this exercise has begun with a focus on enhancing the interoperability and understanding between the forces of the two participating nations. Scheduled to run until March 19, the exercise involves a contingent of 45 soldiers from each country, who will engage in rigorous training scenarios.
Objectives and Activities
The primary aim of DUSTLIK II is to facilitate the exchange of expertise and skills in counter-terrorism operations. These operations are set in various environments, including mountainous regions and urban settings, and are conducted under the framework of a United Nations mandate. The participating troops will be exposed to a range of challenges designed to simulate real-life combat situations, thereby preparing them for actual field operations.
One of the critical components of the exercise is a 36-hour joint validation exercise that will take place from March 17th to 18th. This concluding event will serve as a practical assessment of the soldiers’ abilities to work together and apply their combined training to successfully navigate potential operational challenges.
Significance of the Exercise
DUSTLIK II is more than just a military training operation; it represents a strategic enhancement of the military and diplomatic relations between India and Uzbekistan. By working closely together, the two countries demonstrate their shared determination to confront and eliminate the threat of terrorism. This exercise builds upon the foundation laid by the inaugural edition of DUSTLIK, which took place in Uzbekistan in November 2019.
Contextualizing DUSTLIK II With Other Exercises
The conduct of DUSTLIK II is part of a broader trend of India engaging in joint military exercises with international partners. For instance, the 16th edition of the India-US military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ was held in February 2021. Similar to DUSTLIK, Yudh Abhyas involved a substantial number of participants—approximately 250 soldiers from both India and the United States—focusing on strengthening military cooperation and readiness.
These exercises underscore India’s commitment to building robust defense partnerships globally and highlight the nation’s role in maintaining regional and international security. Through such collaborations, India not only enhances its own military capabilities but also contributes to the collective capacity of allied nations to address common security challenges.
