India-Uzbekistan DUSTLIK Exercise Commences with Focus on Tactical Excellence
An Indian Army contingent has departed for the 7th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, named "DUSTLIK," which is scheduled to take place from April 12 to 25, 2026. The exercise will be held at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan, marking a significant step in bilateral defence cooperation.
Annual Exercise Alternates Between Nations
Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual event that is conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan, reinforcing the ongoing military partnership between the two countries. The previous edition was successfully held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune, India, setting a precedent for this year's activities.
Contingent Composition and Personnel
The Indian contingent for DUSTLIK comprises 60 personnel, with a breakdown of 45 from the Army, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mahar Regiment, and 15 from the Indian Air Force. On the Uzbekistan side, approximately 60 personnel from its Army and Air Force will participate, ensuring a balanced and collaborative training environment.
Focus on Joint Operations and Special Skills
The primary aim of the exercise is to strengthen military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities for joint operations, particularly in semi-mountainous terrain. Key areas of focus include:
- Physical fitness to ensure troops are prepared for demanding conditions.
- Joint planning to develop cohesive strategies.
- Tactical drills for improved manoeuvrability and response.
- Basic special arms skills to handle advanced weaponry and techniques.
Both sides will work towards establishing a unified operational framework between their command-and-control structures, facilitating effective planning and execution of joint missions. Operational aspects will cover land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and the seizure of enemy-held areas, providing comprehensive training in real-world scenarios.
Knowledge Exchange and Validation Phase
During the exercise, the Indian contingent will familiarise itself with the operational procedures of the Uzbekistan Armed Forces while sharing its own experiences and best practices. This mutual exchange is expected to foster a deeper understanding and improve interoperability between the forces.
The exercise will culminate in a rigorous 48-hour validation phase designed to test joint tactical drills. This phase will emphasize the preparation and execution of special operations aimed at neutralizing unlawful armed groups, ensuring that both contingents are adept at handling high-pressure situations.
Expected Outcomes and Strategic Benefits
Exercise DUSTLIK is anticipated to yield several strategic benefits, including:
- Sharing best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures.
- Enhancing interoperability for seamless joint operations.
- Improving operational synergy and command coordination.
- Promoting camaraderie between troops to strengthen bilateral ties.
Overall, the exercise is set to further bolster defence cooperation between India and Uzbekistan, contributing to regional stability and security. By focusing on practical skills and joint frameworks, DUSTLIK underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining a robust and responsive military partnership.
