The 3rd edition of joint training exercise between Indian and Uzbekistan armies, EX-DUSTLIK is being conducted at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan from 22 to 31 March 2022. The Indian contingent which comprises of a platoon strength of Grenadiers Regiment departed for the exercise area on 22 March 2022 to join the Uzbekistan Army contingent represented by troops of the North Western Military District. The last edition of DUSTLIK was conducted in Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) in March 2021.
The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain under a United Nations Mandate. The training schedule will focus 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. The exercise 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 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 1971 war.