Exercise DUSTLIK – VII 2026

News: The Indian Army contingent departed to Namangam, Uzbekistan for the 7th edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military Exercise DUSTLIK.

About Exercise DUSTLIK – VII 2026

• It is an annual joint military exercise conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan.
• 2026 edition: The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangam, Uzbekistan from 12 to 25 April 2026.
• Last edition: The last edition (2025) was conducted at Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune) in April 2025.
• Contingents involved: The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 60 personnel is being represented by 45 personnel from the Indian Army, majorly from a Battalion of the MAHAR Regiment and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force.
  • The Uzbekistan contingent also comprises of approximately 60 personnel, from Uzbekistan Army and Air Force.
• Aim: The aim of exercise is to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-mountainous terrain.
  • It would focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills.
  • The Exercise will also establish a unified operational algorithm between the command-and-control structures of both the contingents for planning and execution of joint operations.
• Key operational aspects: land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases and seizure of enemy-held areas
• Significance: It will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations and will further strengthen interoperability, operational synergy and joint command and control coordination between the contingents.
  • The Exercise will facilitate developing bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both the countries.
  • This will also enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.