A contingent consisting of 60 personnel from the Indian Army departed on Monday (April 12, 2026) for the seventh edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise “DUSTLIK”, scheduled from April 12 to 25, 2026, at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Uzbekistan.
Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual training event conducted in alternate years in India and Uzbekistan to boost military cooperation between the two nations.
The last edition of this exercise was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune.
The Indian contingent this year includes 45 personnel from the Indian Army, mainly from a Battalion of the MAHAR Regiment, and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force. While around 60 personnel from the Uzbekistan contingent (Army and Air Force) are going to be a part of this exercise, the Indian Army said in a statement.
The Army, in the statement, added, “Aim of Exercise DUSTLIK 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 contingents for planning and execution of joint operations.”
The drill will also set up a unified operational framework between the command-and-control structures of both contingents for the planning and execution of joint operations. Core operational aspects to be practised include land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and the seizure of enemy-held areas.
During the exercise, the Indian troops will train themselves with the operational procedure of the Uzbekistan Armed Forces while sharing their own experiences. The training will conclude in a 48- hour validation exercise aimed at neutralising unlawful armed groups through joint special operations.
The Army’s statement added that the exercise will facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures, developing operational synergy and joint command and control coordination.