New Delhi, Apr 16 (Reporter) The 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise Dustlik-VI began on Wednesday at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. The exercise that will conclude on April 28 aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices, tactics and techniques in counter-terrorism operations within the sub-conventional domain, a Defence Ministry statement said. It will also foster enhanced military cooperation, strengthen joint operational capabilities and build camaraderie between the two sides. The Indian contingent comprising 60 personnel is represented by a battalion of JAT Regiment and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Uzbekistan contingent is represented by personnel from Uzbek Army. Dustlik-VI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in the two countries. The last edition was conducted in Termez , Uzbekistan, in April, last year. The theme of the exercise will be based on the theme of joint multi-domain sub-conventional operations in semi-urban scenario. It will focus on responding to a terrorist action involving the capture of a defined territory. It will also include the establishment of a joint operations centre at the battalion-level for continuous joint operations, the execution of counter-terrorism missions such as raids, search-and-destroy operations, and the employment of firepower, to neutralise terrorists. Special forces from the Army and Air Force will secure a helipad for use as a mounting base for further operations. The exercise will also cover the deployment of drones, counter-UAS measures, and logistics support by the Air Force to sustain forces in hostile areas. The helicopters will be utilised for reconnaissance and observation, special heliborne operations (SHBO), small team insertion and extraction (STIE) and other associated missions. 'Dustlik -VI' will enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting joint sub-conventional operations. It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The joint exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations...////...