Introduction to Birlestik-2024 Exercise

  • Birlestik-2024, also known as Union 2024, is the recent joint military exercise conducted by several Central Asian countries.
  • The drill is currently taking place in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan, making diverse landscapes available for training.
  • This exercise is the first, where regional powerhouses such as Russia and China have not participated.
  • Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are the participating nations, with Turkmenistan being notably absent.

Purpose and Scope of the Birlestik-2024 Exercise

  • Birlestik-2024 aims to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and readiness among the armed forces of the participating nations.
  • The exercise underscores joint planning, tactical manoeuvres, and coordination among the forces.
  • Birlestik-2024 provides a platform for building stronger regional security partnerships.
  • Mutual understanding is fostered, promoting peace and preparing the armed forces to respond effectively to a variety of security challenges.

Why Birlestik-2024 is in the News

  • The unique aspect of this year's Birlestik exercise is the absence of regional superpowers, Russia, and China.
  • These countries used to participate in drills alongside Central Asian nations as part of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation with Russia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation with China.
  • The absence of Russia is particularly noted as it is traditionally dominant in this area but is currently engaged in the conflict with Ukraine.
  • The absence of these countries indicates an attempt by the Central Asian nations to assert more independence in their regional security matters.

Geographical and Political Importance

  • The geography of central Asia, rich in oil and gas reserves, along with its geopolitical location, make it a strategic region.
  • This region serves as a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it crucial in international political dynamics.
  • The participation of Azerbaijan, a Caucasus country, indicates an interest from this region in Central Asian affairs.
  • Birlestik-2024 may potentially change the dynamics of the region, affecting the influence of major powers like Russia and China.

General Knowledge Insights

  • Central Asia consists of five countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
  • These countries, except Turkmenistan, have collaborated for the Birlestik-2024 exercise.
  • The Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is an intergovernmental military alliance led by Russia.
  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, the creation of which was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China.