Indi Uzbekistan Exercise DUSTLIK Begins

• 13 Apr 2026

On 12th April 2026, an Indian Army contingent departed for the 7th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK in Uzbekistan to enhance joint military cooperation and operational capabilities.

• The joint exercise is conducted annually between India and Uzbekistan, alternating between the two countries.
• It focuses on enhancing joint operational capabilities in semi-mountainous terrain.
• The exercise promotes sharing of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.
• It aims to improve interoperability, operational synergy, and command coordination between both forces.
• The Indian contingent includes 60 personnel, with participation from the MAHAR Regiment and the Indian Air Force.
• The Uzbekistan contingent also comprises 60 personnel from its Army and Air Force.
• The exercise strengthens defence cooperation and deepens strategic ties between the two nations.