♦ The 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune on 16 April 2025.

♦ The exercise will continue till April 28 and aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.

♦ DUSTLIK is an annual military training initiative held alternately in India and Uzbekistan.

♦ The previous edition took place in the Termez District of Uzbekistan in April 2024.

♦ This year’s (2025) exercise focuses on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a semi-urban scenario.

♦ It will simulate counter-terrorism missions involving territory capture, establishment of a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level, population control measures, raids, search-and-destroy operations, and coordinated use of air assets.