Today saw the start of the fourth iteration of the joint military drill “DUSTLIK” between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan (Uttarakhand). This exercise, which aims to foster good relations between the two militaries, is being participated in by 45 soldiers from the Indian Army and the Uzbekistani Army, respectively. The Indian Army’s contingent is made up of members of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment’s Infantry Battalion. The exercise’s first iteration took place in Uzbekistan in November 2019.
The 14-day combined exercise, which will involve field training drills, combat debates, lectures, demonstrations, and a validation exercise, will centre on cooperative counterterrorism operations in mountainous and semi-urban scenarios under UN mandate. In order to prepare for and undertake joint operations, both sides will work together to organise, train, and carry out a number of tactical exercises for the elimination of potential threats. The need to improve military interoperability is being stressed appropriately.
The esprit de corps, camaraderie, and goodwill fostered during the exercise will go a long way towards strengthening the ties between the two armies by making it possible to comprehend one another’s organisational structure and method of carrying out various operations.
