• The India – Uzbekistan joint military exercise “DUSTLIK II” commenced on 10th March in Foreign Training Node Chaubatia, Ranikhet (Uttarakhand).

    • This is the Second Edition of annual bilateral joint exercise of both armies and will continue till 19th March 2021.

    • The first edition of the exercise was held in Uzbekistan in Nov 2019.

    • 45 Soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are participating in the exercise.

    • The Indian Army is being represented by 13 Kumaon known as the Rezang La battalion famous for its heroics in the battle of Rezang La in 1962 war with China.

    • Both contingents will be sharing their expertise and skills in the field of counter terrorist operations in mountainous/rural/urban scenario under UN mandate.

    • The exercise will culminate into a 36 hours joint validation exercise scheduled from 17 to 18 March 21.

    • The validation exercise will be a test bed for the soldiers of both armies as they would be undergoing the challenges of actual operations in such scenarios.

    • Intelligence-based surgical operations, special forces tracking techniques, surveillance through a hi-tech command post, slithering operations from helicopters will be some of the key elements of the exercise.

    • “Avoiding collateral damage as most of the areas in Kashmir where operations are carried out are residential is also part of the exercise,” said an official.

    • This joint exercise will definitely provide impetus to the ever growing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations and also reflects the strong resolve of both nations to counter terrorism.

    • The exercise will also provide an opportunity to armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.

    • The growing military relations with Uzbekistan are part of military diplomacy keeping in mind its connectivity to Afghanistan and Iraq important for India to counter Pakistan and in wake of China’s Belt and Road Initiatives. 

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)