The armies of India and Uzbekistan on Wednesday began a 10-day military exercise in Uttarakhand's Chaubatia. Forty-five soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian armies are participating in the drill. Called as ‘DUSTLIK II’, this exercise will further bolster bilateral defence and security ties between the two countries. Taking the strategic partnership to a new level, India and Uzbekistan signed nine agreements in December, 2020. India-Uzbekistan scaled up ties and signed 17 pacts in October 2018. Recently, on Chabahar Day on March 4, India and Uzbekistan along with other countries discussed enhancing regional connectivity through Chabahar Port.