The 7th edition of the annual India–Uzbekistan bilateral military exercise “Dustlik” is currently under way at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan. The drill commenced on 12 April 2026 and will continue until 25 April 2026, with the formal opening ceremony held on 15 April 2026. The Indian Armed Forces contingent departed for Uzbekistan earlier in the month to take part in this annual bilateral engagement.
The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel, including 45 troops from the Indian Army, primarily drawn from a battalion of the MAHAR Regiment, and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The Uzbekistan side is likewise represented by approximately 60 personnel from its army and air force, ensuring balanced participation from both nations.
Exercise Dustlik is a yearly event conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan. The previous edition was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune, where the Indian Army was represented by a battalion of the JAT Regiment.
Opening Ceremony
Major General Saidov Oybek Azadovich, Commander of the Eastern Military District of Uzbekistan, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Aimed at enhancing operational synergy, the exercise focuses on joint special operations directed at the neutralisation of unlawful armed groups. It also emphasises the integration of niche technologies to improve interoperability and facilitate the sharing of best practices between the two armies.
The training will cover a range of operational drills. Key operational aspects being practised include land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and the seizure of enemy-held areas. The Indian contingent will take the opportunity to familiarise itself with the operational procedures and drills of the Uzbekistan armed forces while sharing its own operational experiences with its Uzbek counterparts.
The joint training will culminate in a 48-hour validation exercise aimed at validating the tactical drills for joint operations, emphasising the preparation and execution of joint special operations focused on the neutralisation of unlawful armed groups. This culminating phase is designed to test the combined readiness of both contingents under realistic, mission-like conditions.
The exercise will facilitate the development of bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both countries and will also enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
A Steadily Expanding Partnership
Exercise Dustlik was first held in November 2019 in the training fields of Chirchiq near Tashkent. Over the past seven years, the scope of the exercise has progressively expanded, moving through Chaubatia (Uttarakhand) in 2021, Yangiarik (Uzbekistan) in 2022, Pithoragarh in 2023, Termez (Uzbekistan) in 2024, and Aundh (Pune) in 2025, evolving from basic counter-terrorism drills in its initial editions into integrated multi-service training that now involves elements from both the army and air force of the two sides.
