Pune is gearing up to host the sixth edition of the military exercise ‘Dustlik’ from April 16 to 28, 2025. This exercise involves collaboration between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army. It aims to enhance military cooperation and improve capabilities in counter-terrorism operations.
About Exercise Dustlik
Exercise Dustlik, meaning ‘friendship’ in Uzbek, is an annual event alternating between India and Uzbekistan. The previous edition took place in Termez, Uzbekistan, and Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, in 2023. This year’s exercise focuses on counter-terrorism in sub-conventional domains.
Objectives of the Exercise
The primary goal is to encourage military cooperation. This includes enhancing joint training and sharing best practices in counter-terrorism operations. The exercise also aims to develop interoperability among forces.
Scope of Operations
The exercise revolves around sub-conventional conflicts. These are conflicts that do not escalate to conventional warfare. They include anti-insurgency operations, proxy wars, and hybrid warfare. The focus is on irregular and asymmetric forms of conflict.
Tactical Drills and Activities
The exercise includes various tactical drills. Key activities involve creating a Joint Command Post, establishing intelligence and surveillance centres, and conducting special heliborne operations. Teams will perform room intervention drills and secure landing sites.
Complexity and Multi-Domain Operations
This year’s exercise features enhanced complexity. It includes multi-domain operations involving combat support arms and services alongside infantry units. This complexity reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Benefits of the Exercise
The exercise promotes camaraderie between soldiers from both nations. It enhances defence cooperation and strengthens bilateral relations. The exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures is benefit.
Location and Infrastructure
The Foreign Training Node in Pune is very important for these exercises. It is co-located with the Aundh Military Station. Pune has several military establishments and offers suitable environments for conducting such exercises.
Significance for India and Uzbekistan
Exercise Dustlik signifies the growing military ties between India and Uzbekistan. It puts stress on the commitment to collaborative security efforts. This partnership is crucial for addressing regional security challenges.
Future Prospects
The exercise is expected to evolve further. Future editions may include more countries, enhancing regional stability. The focus will likely remain on counter-terrorism and joint operational capabilities.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the significance of military exercises like Dustlik in enhancing bilateral relations.
- Critically discuss the role of sub-conventional warfare in contemporary military strategies.
- Point out the operational challenges faced in joint military exercises between different nations.
- Analyse the impact of military cooperation on regional security dynamics in Central Asia.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the significance of military exercises like Dustlik in enhancing bilateral relations.
- Military exercises encourage trust and understanding between nations.
- They provide a platform for sharing best practices and operational tactics.
- Joint training enhances interoperability and readiness for collaborative operations.
- Exercises like Dustlik symbolize commitment to mutual defense and cooperation.
- They strengthen diplomatic ties and pave the way for future collaborations.
2. Critically discuss the role of sub-conventional warfare in contemporary military strategies.
- Sub-conventional warfare includes irregular tactics such as insurgency and terrorism.
- It reflects the shift from traditional warfare to asymmetric conflict scenarios.
- Military strategies now incorporate counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations.
- Sub-conventional warfare requires adaptive tactics and specialized training.
- It influences international relations and security policies among nations.
3. Point out the operational challenges faced in joint military exercises between different nations.
- Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and communication barriers.
- Diverse military doctrines and operational procedures may complicate coordination.
- Logistical challenges arise from differing equipment and resource availability.
- Varying levels of training and readiness among participants can impact effectiveness.
- Political considerations may influence the scope and focus of joint exercises.
4. Analyse the impact of military cooperation on regional security dynamics in Central Asia.
- Military cooperation enhances collective security against common threats like terrorism.
- It encourages stability and reduces the likelihood of conflicts in the region.
- Joint exercises improve readiness to respond to regional crises collaboratively.
- Cooperation can deter external aggressors and strengthen national defenses.
- It encourages diplomatic dialogue and encourages trust among Central Asian nations.
