The seventh edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK 2026 is being conducted at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area at Namangan in Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Defence said that the exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint operational capability in semi-mountainous terrain, with a focus on special arms skills and special operations against unlawful armed groups. The Ministry said, during the exercise, troops of both contingents have undertaken area familiarisation, techniques and procedures; ambidextrous pistol firing; UAV application and operational readiness, among other activities.

 

The Defence Ministry said that in the coming days, the exercise is expected to advance to more complex joint missions in semi-mountainous terrain. The Ministry said that the exercise will further deepen the coordination and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army. The exercise will conclude on the 25th of April.