NewzVille Desk
Exercise DUSTLIK 2026, the 7th edition of the India–Uzbekistan joint military exercise, is being conducted at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan, from 12-25 April, 2026.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint operational capability in semi-mountainous terrain, with focus on joint planning, tactical drills, special arms skills, and special operations against unlawful armed groups.
During the exercise, troops of both contingents have undertaken area familiarisation, exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures, ambidextrous pistol firing, reflex shooting, RPG firing, unarmed combat, bayonet fighting, UAV application, fire and move drills in urban terrain, combat casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance, house intervention drills, mountaineering, rappelling, sniper training, and navigation exercises to strengthen tactical synergy and operational readiness.
Physical endurance and team spirit have also been reinforced through runs, calisthenics, yoga, and other confidence-building activities.
In the coming days, the exercise is expected to advance to more complex joint missions in semi-mountainous terrain, including 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, further deepening coordination and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army.
