The 7th edition of the India–Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise ‘DUSTLIK 2026’ is currently being conducted at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan.
Organised under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence, the exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army.
Objective of the Exercise
The primary goal of Exercise DUSTLIK 2026 is to:
- Enhance interoperability between the two armies
- Improve joint operational capabilities
- Conduct operations in semi-mountainous terrain
- Train forces for countering unlawful armed groups
Key Activities and Training Modules
During the ongoing exercise, troops from both nations are engaged in:
- Area familiarisation and tactical procedures
- Ambidextrous pistol firing drills
- Use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
- Operational readiness exercises
These activities aim to sharpen combat skills, coordination, and adaptability in challenging terrains.
Upcoming Phases
According to the Defence Ministry:
- The exercise will soon move to more complex joint missions
- Operations will continue in semi-mountainous environments
- Focus will remain on combined tactical execution and coordination
Significance of the Exercise
- Strengthens defence ties between India and Uzbekistan
- Promotes mutual understanding of military strategies
- Enhances joint response capability against security threats
- Improves coordination in real-time combat situations
Conclusion
The DUSTLIK 2026 exercise reflects the growing defence partnership between India and Uzbekistan. By focusing on modern warfare techniques and joint operations, the exercise plays a crucial role in enhancing military preparedness and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The exercise is scheduled to conclude on 25 April 2026.