The Indian contingent, comprising 60 personnel, is represented by a battalion from the JAT Regiment and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Uzbekistan contingent includes personnel from the Uzbekistan Army. Joint Exercise DUSTLIK-VI is an annual training exercise held alternately in India and Uzbekistan, with the previous edition conducted in April 2024 in the Termez District of Uzbekistan.

This year’s exercise centers around the theme of Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Environment. It will simulate a response to a terrorist incident involving the seizure of a defined territory. Key components of the exercise include establishing a Battalion-level Joint Operations Centre for continuous integrated operations, executing counterterrorism tasks such as population control, raids, search-and-destroy missions, and the coordinated use of firepower, including air assets, to neutralize terrorist threats.

Source: PIB 

Special Forces from both the Army and the Air Force will play a vital role, including securing a helipad to serve as a staging area for further operations. The exercise will also incorporate drone deployment, counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) measures and logistical support by the Air Force to sustain operations in hostile terrain. Helicopters will be employed for reconnaissance, surveillance, Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) and Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE) missions.

Exercise DUSTLIK-VI aims to foster mutual understanding and exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint sub-conventional operations. It will enhance interoperability, build camaraderie, and strengthen defence cooperation—further deepening the strategic partnership between the two friendly nations.