EXERCISE DUSTLIK (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The Indian Army contingent departed for the 5th edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military Exercise DUSTLIK recently.

Exercise Dustlik

• About: It is an annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army.
• Locations: Conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan, it aims to strengthen bilateral military ties.
• Historical Background: Inaugurated in Uzbekistan in November, the first edition set the precedent for subsequent collaborations.
• First Edition: Held at Uzbekistan in November 2019.
• Recent Edition: Held in February 2023 in Pithoragarh, showcased the commitment to enhancing military capabilities.
• Objective: The primary aim of Exercise Dustlik is to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities.
• Operational Focus: The exercise emphasizes joint operations in diverse terrains, including mountainous and semi-urban environments.
• Key Areas of Emphasis: It focuses on aspects such as physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and specialized weaponry training.
  Uzbekistan
• About: It is a landlocked country situated in Central Asia.
• River Boundaries: It is primarily positioned between two significant rivers: the Syr Darya (Jaxartes River) in the northeast and the Amu Darya (Oxus River) in the southwest.
• Bordering Nations:

o Kazakhstan to the northwest and north,

o Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east and southeast,

o Afghanistan to the south,

o Turkmenistan to the southwest.