India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘Dustlik’ to commence from April 15

The fifth edition of the ‘Dustlik’ joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan is scheduled to begin in Uzbekistan’s Termez district from Monday.

During the 14-day exercise, soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan will undergo comprehensive joint training sessions, according to a statement by the Indian army.

The fourth edition of the joint military exercise between the two countries was held on February 20 last year at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand.

According to the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, the exercise focused on sharing best practices in subconventional operations under UN mandate.

A total of 45 soldiers from each side participated in the exercise, fostering positive relations between the armies of both nations, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.

The Indian Army contingent comprised of troops from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment’s infantry battalion.

The first edition of this exercise was held in Uzbekistan in November 2019.