Friendship-2023: Uzbek-Indian military exercises

In accordance with the signed bilateral military cooperation plan between Uzbekistan and India for 2022-2023, in order to coordinate the joint Uzbek-Indian drills "Friendship-2023", planned to be held in 2023, the military delegation of Uzbekistan visited the international training ground located in the mountainous Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand state of Kumaon region.

In particular, the "Friendship 2019" tactical exercise held in Uzbekistan in 2019 as part of Uzbek-Indian cooperation provided an opportunity to further strengthen military ties with India and share best practices in the planning and conduct of combat operations.

Another joint exercise was held in March 2021 at the Chowbatiya training centre located in Ranikhet province of Uttaranchal state, India, during which combat skills in counter-terrorism and combat training operations were practised.
The next joint exercise, Friendship 2022, was held at the Yangiarik military training range of the Northwest Military District located in Khorezm Province.

During this visit, Colonel Rasul Japarov, head of the Defence Ministry and Colonel Ismail Kurbanov, deputy commander of the North-Western Military District, discussed with their Indian counterparts the joint exercises scheduled for February-March this year, as well as issues of receiving, housing and supporting the military contingent from Uzbekistan.

At the meeting, recommendations were made on the organization of sports and cultural events involving the military personnel of the two countries at the suggestion of representatives of both sides.