What happened?
The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise, DUSTLIK-VI, commenced on 16 April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. Scheduled till 28 April, the exercise involves 60 Indian Army and Air Force personnel—mainly from the JAT Regiment—alongside the Uzbekistan Army. Focused on multi-domain sub-conventional operations in semi-urban terrain, the exercise simulates terrorist threats, heliborne insertions, drone warfare, and the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre.
Why it matters to India
DUSTLIK-VI reinforces India’s defence cooperation with Central Asia, especially in counterterrorism and hybrid warfare preparedness. Strengthening inter-operability with Uzbekistan boosts regional security coordination and showcases India’s operational capabilities in complex terrain. It also advances New Delhi’s outreach in Central Asia, a key pillar under India’s “Connect Central Asia” policy, while enhancing strategic ties through sustained military diplomacy.