Overview
The Indian Army group has flown to Uzbekistan to take part in the 7th installment of Exercise DUSTLIK, which is to be held between April 12 and April 25, 2026. The drill will be held at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, which will underscore the growing defence cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.
About Exercise DUSTLIK
Exercise DUSTLIK is an Indian-Uzbek bilateral military drill which is held biannually. The last one was in April 2025 in the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. The drill is aimed at enhancing military inter-cooperation, coordination, and understanding between military forces in both the countries.
Composition of Forces
The Indian contingent consists of approximately 60 people, comprising 45 troops of the Indian Army, predominately of a battalion of the MAHAR Regiment, and 15 personnel of the Indian Air Force. The Uzbekistan side is also equally strong and includes troops of the Army and Air Force, which guarantees a balanced participation and mutual engagement.
Operation Focus and Objectives.
The training is aimed at improving joint operations within semi-mountainous areas. The major training elements are physical stamina, tactical exercises and synchronized planning of missions. The programme includes activities like land navigation, strike operations on enemy positions, and securing hostile areas. It also seeks to institute integrated command and control framework of effective joint operations.
Strategic Significance
Exercise DUSTLIK will end with a 48-hour validation exercise to determine operational readiness, especially when it comes to combating illegal armed groups. The drill enables both sides to exchange best practices in tactics and procedures. In addition to training, it enhances interoperability, instills confidence, and intensifies defence relations between India and Uzbekistan.
Exam-Focused Key Points
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Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual India–Uzbekistan military exercise.
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Conducted alternately in both countries.
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2026 host: Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan (Uzbekistan).
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Emphasize semi-mountainous operations and combined actions.
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Involves Army and Air Force members on both sides.
Practice Questions (with Answers)
Q1. What is the Exercise DUSTLIK?
Response: A military drill between India and Uzbekistan.
Q2. Where is the 2026 edition being held?
Location: Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan.
Q3. What Indian regiment is taking the major part?
Answer: MAHAR Regiment.
Q4. What type of terrain is the focus of the exercise?
Answer: Semi-mountainous terrain.
Q5. What is the point of the last validation drill?
Practice: To test combined operational preparedness.