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Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Commences: The 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI began at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune) on April 16, 2025, scheduled until April 28, 2025.
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Participants: The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel, including troops from the JAT Regiment and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Uzbekistan contingent is represented by personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.
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Alternating Training: DUSTLIK is an annual event, alternating between India and Uzbekistan. The previous edition (DUSTLIK-V) was held in Termez, Uzbekistan, in April 2024.
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Focus on Counter-Terrorism: The theme is “Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario,” simulating responses to terrorist activities and territorial capture.
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Joint Operations Centre: The exercise includes establishing a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level for continuous joint operations.
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Key Activities: Counterterrorism missions (population
control, raids, search-and-destroy), employment of firepower (including air assets), securing a helipad, reconnaissance, Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO), Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE). -
Air Force Support: The IAF provides logistical support
to sustain operations and utilize helicopters, drones and counter-UAS measures in hostile environments. -
Objective: To share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint sub-conventional operations, enhancing interoperability, camaraderie, and defence cooperation between the two armies.
