EX-DUSTLIK

In News

• The third edition of the exercise, titled EX-DUSTLIK would be conducted at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan from March 22 to March 31.
  • EX- DUSTLIK’s is a joint training exercise that is conducted between the armies of India and Uzbekistan. 

About

• The Grenadiers battalion that will represent India at this exercise is one of the Indian Army’s highly decorated battalions.
• The first edition of the exercise was held in Uzbekistan in Nov 2019, second edition in March 2021 in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand.
• Aim: It aims to provide impetus to the ever-growing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations and reflect the strong resolve of both nations to counter-terrorism.

Significance

• Military diplomacy to connect with Central Asia: The growing military relations with Uzbekistan are part of military diplomacy keeping in mind its connectivity to Afghanistan and Iraq (Central Asia).
  • It is important for India to counter Pakistan in the wake of China’s Belt and Road Initiatives.
• Counter-terrorist operations: Both armies shared their expertise and skills in the field of counter-terrorism operations in mountainous/rural/urban scenarios under UN mandate.
• Advanced Technology exchange: Intelligence-based surgical operations, Special Forces tracking techniques, surveillance through a hi-tech command post, slithering operations from helicopters were some of the key elements of the exercise.

Source: IE