As a part of India’s continued efforts to strengthen Indo-Kazakhstan relations, troops of Indian and Kazakhstan armies are presently engaging in a joint exercise ‘PRABAL DOSTYK-16.

• The Indian Army is being represented in the exercise by platoon strength. The Kazakhstan Army contingent comprises a platoon from Special Operating Force’s unit.

• Combat battle drills and physical fitness will be the focal point of the exercise.

• The exercise will be conducted in two stages; first stage will be to familiarize with each other’s tactics, drills, weapons & equipment. In the second stage, troops of both the armies will graduate to jointly execute a helicopter borne operation in a simulated environment.

• A pioneering endeavor with the Kazakhstan Army, the exercise is being conducted in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan. This exercise will conclude on September 17.

• Prabal Dostyk meaning ‘Robust Friendship’ will be a significant step towards fostering military as well as diplomatic ties between both countries.

• The primary aim of the 14- day exercise will be to enhance interoperability while undertaking Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency Operations in rural and semi-urban environment under the umbrella of United Nations.

Did You Know about Kazakhstan?

Borders: Extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia
Capital : Astana
Currency: Kazakhstani tenge
President: Nursultan Nazarbayev