Indo-Uzbekistan Field Training Exercise DUSTLIK Commences In Ranikhet
The India – Uzbekistan joint military exercise “DUSTLIK II” commenced today in Foreign Training Node Chaubatia, Ranikhet (Uttarakhand). This is the Second Edition of annual bilateral joint exercise of both armies. It will continue till 19th March 2021. The first edition of the exercise was held at Uzbekistan in Nov 2019.
45 Soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are participating in the exercise. Both contingents will be sharing their expertise and skills in the field of counter-terrorist operations in mountainous/rural/urban scenarios 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 testbed for the soldiers of both armies as they would be undergoing the challenges of actual operations in such scenarios.
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.
INDIA UZBEKISTAN RELATIONS
India and Uzbekistan have relations that go back in history. In recent years, there has been significant intensification in bilateral ties, mainly due to the visit of PM in July 2015 and June 2016 to Tashkent; the opening up of Uzbekistan by President Mirziyoyev; and President Mirziyoyev’s visit to India in October 2018 and in January 2019. Bilateral relations now encompass a wider canvas, including on political and strategic issues, defence and security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, S&T, education and people-to-people ties.
