Text Size:
A+
Chaubatia (Uttarakhand): Amid increased radicalisation and a looming ISIS threat, Uzbekistan is jointly exercising with India to enhance its counter-terrorism expertise as New Delhi seeks to establish a strong bilateral relationship with the key central Asian country where China has huge interests.
As part of the several initiatives launched since 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Uzbekistan, the Uzbek Army is taking part in Dustlik-II a joint Army exercise with India here at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia near Ranikhet.
The exercise that began on 10 March and will continue till 19 March focuses on learning counter-terrorism drills in an urban and jungle warfare.
Updated:
Scope of the exercise is to conduct sub-unit level operations in counter terrorism
Share Article
AAA
Uzbek soldier practicing helicopter slithering from a static platform as an Indian soldier looks on and is seen with a SIG-716 assault rifle.
| Photo Credit: Dinakar Peri
Scope of the exercise is to conduct sub-unit level operations in counter terrorism
At the ongoing India-Uzbek exercise Dustlik-II at Ranikhet, Uzbek troops learnt the handling of SIG-716 assault rifles, recently inducted into service by the Army and also got orientation in slithering from helicopters for heli-borne operations in a counter terrorist (CT) environment.
“As far as weapons are concerned we have Sig Sauer rifles. we are sharing our weapons with the Uzbek troops. At present Uzbek troops are learning firing from Sig Sauer rifles,” Col. Amit Malik, Commanding Officer of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, nominated for the exercise from the Indian side, told visiting journalists at Chaubatia near
Central Asia outreach: Famed Indian battalion trains Uzbek troops for counter terror operations
SECTIONS
Share
Synopsis
In exercises that will span 10 days, battle hardened Indian troops are sharing experiences in tackling terrorist threats in a variety of scenarios, from dense jungle hideouts to cordon and search operations in villages and storming high risk buildings.
Agencies
The final part of the exercise – called validations drills – is likely to be attended by the Deputy Defence Minister of Uzbekistan, underscoring the growing military ties India is developing in a region that has a strong Chinese influence.(Representative Image)
A battalion famed for a brave last stand against Chinese forces in the 1962 war is training crack troops from the Uzbekistan Army as part of India’s security outreach to Central Asia, sharing skills in counter terror and special operations.