India-Uzbekistan Joint Exercise DUSTLIK-VI 2025 culminated with a 48 hour exercise on April 27, 2025 at Southern Command Foreign Training & Military Civil Fusion Training Node, Aundh, Pune. Brigadier Shailender Sharma, VSM was the Chief Guest during the culmination phase of exercise and also declared the exercise closed. The two-week long exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and honing skills in conducting joint counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment. Joint exercises between armies are a facet of military diplomacy between nations across the world. It is increasingly becoming an important instrument in developing relationships but also trust and confidence between the Armies which may eventually prove useful during joint military operations to fight terrorism.

The India Uzbekistan Joint Exercise (DUSTLIK-VI 2025) was held from April 15, 2025 to April 28, 2025 at Pune. The exercise witnessed active participation from contingents of both nations, engaging in a series of tactical drills, simulated scenarios, and knowledge-sharing sessions. The focus was on neutralising terrorist threats, handling hostage situations, and implementing effective strategies for urban warfare while adhering to international humanitarian laws. Both the contingents have displayed great enthusiasm and professionalism while practicing joint drills during the conduct of exercise. It has been a great learning experience for all the participants. The troops have not only learnt about each other’s operational drills and tactics, but have also exchanged ideas and best practices being followed in execution of Counter Terrorism Operations in Semi-Urban Terrain.

The exercise has taught valuable lessons to the troops of the participating Armies on conducting joint operations in support for peace. Both the contingents jointly trained on various aspects of counter-terrorism, including reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, cordon and search operations, and close-quarter combat. The conduct of this Military Exercise is also an important step to uphold the values of Peace, Prosperity, International Brotherhood and Trust which is in line with Security and Growth for all amongst the Central Asian Republics.

The weapons and equipment used during the exercise were of Indian origin and showcased the indigenous capabilities in defence production and promoting "Atmanirbhar Bharat". The Chief Guest in his closing remarks to participants and observers also gave impetus on the motto of the Exercise which his "Partnership for Peace, Preparedness for Tomorrow".