India and Uzbekistan Join Forces in Chaubattia for "Dustlik-2" Military Exercise

Indian Army is training Uzbekistan soldiers to master the powerful Sig Sauer rifle during the pivotal Dustlik-2 exercise focused on counter-terrorism.

Indian Army soldiers are training their Uzbekistan counterparts on how to use new Sig Sauer assault rifles during the ongoing "Dustlik-2" joint military exercise in Chaubattia, Ranikhet district. The nine-day exercise, which began on March 10, is a key component of the nations' counter-terrorism cooperation.

A black Sig Sauer SIG716 semi-automatic rifle with a telescopic sight and an extended magazine. The rifle features a picatinny rail on the handguard and a collapsible stock.

A senior Indian military official stated that while this marks the first time the Uzbekistan Army personnel are handling the American-made rifles, the Indian Army's infantry battalions are already well-equipped. 

"At least 50% of the required Sig Sauer rifles have been distributed to all infantry battalions," said Colonel Aman Anand, an Indian Army spokesperson. Frontline battalions, in particular, have received a significant number of the new weapons.

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Focus on Counter-Terrorism Operations

Col Amit Malik, who heads the 13th battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, explained that the exercise is designed to enhance skills in counter-terrorism operations. The training is crucial for the 45 personnel from the Uzbekistan Army participating alongside 45 soldiers from the Indian Army's 13th Kumaon Regiment.

This shift to the American Sig Sauer 7.62 mm rifle represents a significant upgrade for the Indian Army. With a firing range of 600 meters, it surpasses the indigenous Insas 5.56 mm rifle, which has a range of around 400 meters and has been the mainstay of the infantry. The procurement of 72,000 Sig Sauer rifles for the Indian Army was approved by the defense ministry in September of the previous year.