<span style="color: #222222;">The 4th edition of joint military exercise 'DUSTLIK' between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan Army commenced on Monday in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Defence Ministry said, 45 Soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are participating in this exercise. The exercise is aimed at promoting positive relations between both the armies. The Indian Army contingent comprises of troops from an Infantry Battalion from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment.<br />''<br />''The 14 days long joint exercise will focus on joint counter-terrorist operations in mountainous and semi-urban scenario under UN mandate. This will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and culminate with a validation exercise. Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats.</span><br />