Overview of Exercise Dustlik 2024

The Indian Army contingent comprising 250 personnel departed in early 2024 to participate in the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise 'Dustlik' held in Uzbekistan. The exercise spans 14 days and focuses primarily on counterterrorism operations and joint tactical maneuvers. This marks the latest iteration of a series of bilateral exercises initiated under India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy launched in 2018, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation with Central Asian states.

Exercise Dustlik exemplifies India's strategic outreach to Central Asia, a region critical for regional security and counterterrorism collaboration. It reflects New Delhi's intent to deepen military interoperability and intelligence sharing with Uzbekistan, a key regional player and India's fifth-largest trade partner in Central Asia.

Legal and Constitutional Framework Governing Joint Military Exercises

India’s participation in Exercise Dustlik is governed by multiple legal and constitutional provisions. The Defence of India Act, 1917 (amended) provides the statutory basis for military operations and international exercises. Article 51 of the Constitution mandates the promotion of international peace and security, underpinning India's defence diplomacy.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) issues guidelines under the Defence Cooperation Framework to regulate joint exercises, ensuring alignment with national security interests. The Defence Services Regulations (DSR), 1987, though not directly litigated in courts, provide operational protocols for such engagements.

Economic Dimensions of India-Uzbekistan Defence Cooperation

India’s defence budget for 2023-24 stands at approximately INR 5.94 lakh crore, with about 2.5% earmarked for international military cooperation and exercises (Union Budget 2023-24). Uzbekistan’s defence expenditure is estimated at USD 1.2 billion (SIPRI, 2023).

Enhanced military ties through exercises like Dustlik can catalyse defence trade and technology exchange. Bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan is currently valued at USD 2 billion (Ministry of Commerce, 2023), with India’s defence exports to Central Asia increasing by 18% in 2023 (Defence Exports Promotion Council, 2023). This indicates potential economic spillovers from defence cooperation.

Key Institutions Involved in Exercise Dustlik

• Indian Army: Primary executing force, deploying 250 personnel for the 2024 exercise.
• Ministry of Defence (MoD): Policy formulation, coordination, and oversight.
• Uzbek Ministry of Defence: Host and co-organizer of the exercise.
• Integrated Defence Staff (IDS): Operational planning and liaison between forces.
• Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): Provides strategic intelligence support.
• Central Command of Indian Army: Leading the Indian contingent.

Exercise Dustlik in the Context of India’s Central Asia Policy

Since 2015, India has conducted over 15 joint military exercises with Central Asian countries, reinforcing its strategic footprint in the region (MoD Annual Report, 2023). Uzbekistan, as India’s fifth-largest trade partner in Central Asia, plays a pivotal role in this engagement.

Exercise Dustlik specifically focuses on counterterrorism and joint tactical operations, addressing shared security challenges such as extremism and cross-border terrorism. This aligns with India’s broader Connect Central Asia policy framework, which seeks to integrate defence cooperation with diplomatic and economic initiatives.

Comparative Analysis: India-Uzbekistan Dustlik vs India-Russia Indra Exercises

Critical Gap: Absence of Permanent Military Presence in Central Asia

Despite increased joint exercises, India lacks a permanent military base or logistics hub in Central Asia. This limits rapid deployment and sustained military presence compared to China, which has established facilities under its Belt and Road Initiative.

This gap constrains India’s ability to project power and respond swiftly to regional contingencies, underscoring a strategic limitation in its Central Asia policy.

Strategic Significance and Way Forward

• Exercise Dustlik enhances interoperability and counterterrorism capabilities between India and Uzbekistan, addressing shared security threats.
• It strengthens India’s defence diplomacy and complements economic and strategic engagement under the Connect Central Asia policy.
• India should explore establishing logistics support agreements or permanent facilities to enhance rapid deployment capabilities in Central Asia.
• Expanding multilateral exercises involving Central Asian states can further consolidate regional security architecture.
• Leveraging defence trade opportunities emerging from these exercises can deepen bilateral economic ties.

Jharkhand & JPSC Relevance

• JPSC Paper: Paper 2 – International Relations and Defence
• Jharkhand Angle: Jharkhand’s contribution to the Indian Army includes units deployed in joint exercises; understanding India’s defence diplomacy aids aspirants in framing strategic security answers.
• Mains Pointer: Highlight India’s strategic outreach to Central Asia, economic linkages, and implications for regional security, linking to Jharkhand’s role in national defence.