The 7th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, DUSTLIK 2026 culminated successfully at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area at Namangan in Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Defence said that these two weeks of intensive joint training enhanced interoperability and joint operational capability of both the sides in semi-mountainous terrain. It said that the exercise progressed from tactical drills and special arms training to the final validation of integrated joint missions.

In its concluding phase, six operational phases were structured and rehearsed in detail, with troops organised into specialised groups including reconnaissance, airborne, surveillance, helicopter firing, house intervention and reserve elements comprising engineer and medical detachments. The culmination also featured a felicitation ceremony to recognise distinguished guests and outstanding performers from both contingents. The Ministry said that the exercise underscored the spirit of camaraderie, mutual trust and growing defence cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.