India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise ‘DUSTLIK’ underway in Yangiarik

New Delhi: India – Uzbekistan joint military exercise "DUSTLIK" is underway at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan. It will continue till March 31.This is the third edition of annual bilateral joint exercise of both armies. The second edition of the exercise was held in Uttarakhand in March, 2021.

The Indian Army today said in a tweet, "The 3rd Edition of India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK commenced with an impressive opening ceremony at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan. The ceremony was marked by unfurling of National flags along with the National Anthems."

The focus of the joint exercise is on Counter-Terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain under a United Nations Mandate. The training schedule focuses primarily on sharing of tactical level drills and learning of best practices from each other. The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between two armies. It will culminate in a 24 hour long validation exercise which will be a test bed for the soldiers of both armies as they would be undergoing the challenges of simulated operations in such scenarios.

The Grenadiers battalion nominated for the exercise is one of the highly decorated battalions of the Indian Army and has the unique distinction of participating in almost all the Pre and Post-Independence Operations. The unit has been awarded eight Pre-Independence Battle Honours. Post-Independence, it has earned theatre honour 'RAJASTHAN' in 1965 war and battle honour 'JARPAL' in the 1971 war.

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