New Delhi: The 7th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK 2026 commenced on April 12 at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan, and will continue till April 25. The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability and joint operational capabilities of the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army in semi-mountainous terrain. It focuses on joint planning, tactical drills, special arms skills, and special operations against unlawful armed groups.

During the exercise, troops from both nations undertook a wide range of activities including area familiarisation, exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures, ambidextrous pistol firing, reflex shooting, RPG firing, unarmed combat, bayonet fighting, UAV operations, Fire and Move drills in urban terrain, Combat Casualty Evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance, house intervention drills, mountaineering, rappelling, sniper training, and navigation exercises. Physical endurance and team spirit were further strengthened through runs, calisthenics, yoga, and various confidence-building activities.

In the coming days, the exercise will progress to more complex joint missions such as strike operations against hostile objectives, capture of designated targets, heliborne employment, establishment of a joint command and control structure, and validation of integrated special operations procedures. Exercise DUSTLIK 2026 is expected to significantly deepen coordination and interoperability between the two armies.