Exercise DUSTLIK-VI | 17 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

India and Uzbekistan began the 6th edition of Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI at Aundh, Pune. The exercise will take place from 16 to 28 April 2025. 

  • The previous edition took place in Termez District, Uzbekistan, in April 2024. 

 Exercise DUSTLIK-VI

Key Points 

  • Exercise Theme and Focus: 
    • The core theme is Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario. 
    • The focus is on responding to terrorist actions involving the capture of a defined territory. 
    • A Joint Operations Centre will be established at the battalion level for continuous coordination. 
  • Participation and Representation: 
    • The Indian contingent includes 60 personnel from a battalion of the JAT Regiment and the Indian Air Force (IAF). 
    • The Uzbekistan Army is representing the Uzbek side. 
  • Strategic Objectives: 
    • The joint drill will promote interoperability, tactical cooperation, and mutual learning in sub-conventional warfare. 
    • It aims to enhance defence cooperation and deepen bilateral military relations between India and Uzbekistan. 
    • The exercise fosters camaraderie and trust between both armies through shared training and strategic alignment. 

 Uzbekistan 

Uzbekistan 

  • About: 
    • Landlocked country in Central Asia, situated between the Syr Darya (northeast) and Amu Darya (southwest) rivers. 
    • Lies in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres. 
    • One of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world (the other is Liechtenstein). 
    • Neighbouring Countries: 
      • Kazakhstan (north and northwest) 
      • Kyrgyzstan (northeast) 
      • Tajikistan (southeast) 
      • Afghanistan (south) 
      • Turkmenistan (southwest) 
  • Topographical Features: 
    • Around 80% of the land is sandy desert, mostly the Kyzyl Kum Desert. 
    • Lowlands dominate the west; foothills and mountains (Tian Shan range) rise in the northeast and southeast. 
    • The highest peak is Adelunga Toghi (4,301 m) in the northeast. 
    • Fergana Valley is the most fertile and agriculturally productive region. 
  • Rivers and Lakes: 
    • Major rivers: Amu Darya and Syr Darya. 
      • The Aral Sea, shared with Kazakhstan, is a major environmental disaster due to water mismanagement. 
    • Important lakes: Lake Aydarkul and Lake Sarykamish. 
  • Vegetation and Climate: 
    • Dominated by desert scrub in arid zones. 
    • Fertile valleys, especially Fergana, support intensive agriculture. 
  • Natural Resources: 
    • Rich in natural gas, oil, coal, and minerals like gold, uranium, and copper. 
    • Holds the 4th largest gold reserves globally.