Just after when India started its exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas-2016’ with the US army, India, continuing its policy of stepping up a defence and economic ties with energy-rich Central Asian Republics, is now holding a joint combat exercise, Prabal Dostyk with Kazakhstan to boost military interoperability.
- The joint exercise “Prabal Dostyk” means “robust friendship” themed at counter-terrorism in rural and semi-urban terrain.
- It is being conducted in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan till September 17 lasting for about 14 days.
- The Indian Army is being represented by platoon strength. The Kazakhstan Army contingent comprises of a platoon from Special Operating Force’s Unit.
- The exercise will be conducted in two stages.
- The first stage will be to familiarize with each other’s tactics, drills, weapons, and equipment.
- In the second stage, troops from the two armies will graduate to jointly execute a helicopter-borne operation in a simulated environment.
Exercise ‘Prabal Dostyk’ will be a significant step towards fostering military as well as diplomatic ties between both countries.
