Description

Why in the news?

The 7th India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, DUSTLIK 2026, began at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan.

What is Exercise DUSTLIK?

Exercise DUSTLIK is the joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan.

Origin: The first edition was held in 2019 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Meaning: "Dustlik" means "Friendship" in the Uzbek language, symbolizing the strong diplomatic and military bond between the two nations.

Exercise DUSTLIK 2026

Edition: 7th Edition in 2026
Dates: April 12 to April 25, 2026
Location: Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan.
Frequency: Annual event, conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan.
Indian Contingent:

Total Personnel: 60 personnel.
Composition: 45 personnel from the Indian Army (primarily from a battalion of the MAHAR Regiment) and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force.

Uzbekistan Contingent: Approximately 60 personnel from the Uzbekistan Army and Air Force.

Objectives and Operational Focus

Operational Theme: Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations targeting the neutralisation of unlawful armed groups.
Key Activities:

Tactical Drills: Focused on joint planning, navigation, base strikes, and area seizure.
Validation Exercise: A 48-hour drill evaluating coordination and threat neutralization readiness.
Interoperability: Creating a unified command-and-control structure for efficient operations.

Strategic Significance

Counter-Terrorism & Regional Security

Bordering Afghanistan, Uzbekistan is a vital security partner for India. DUSTLIK improves India's Central Asian operational capacity against sub-conventional threats like insurgency and terrorism.

Connect Central Asia Policy

The exercise supports India's "Connect Central Asia" policy, strengthening strategic ties with this resource-rich region to ensure stability and counter radicalisation.

Multi-Domain Modernization

Including the Indian Air Force reflects a move toward multi-domain operations, facilitating shared expertise in air-to-ground support within semi-urban environments.

Source: PIB

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Exercise DUSTLIK is a joint military training exercise conducted between India and which other country?

A. Kazakhstan

B. Uzbekistan

C. Kyrgyzstan

D. Tajikistan

Answer: B

Explanation:

Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual bilateral military exercise between India and Uzbekistan. It focuses on enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices for counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a UN mandate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Exercise DUSTLIK is a joint military training exercise conducted bilaterally between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan. It primarily focuses on sub-conventional operations and counter-terrorism tactics.

The 7th edition of the exercise in 2026 was held at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan. This location provides rugged, semi-mountainous terrain typical of the Central Asian landscape.

By helping build a stable and terror-free Uzbekistan, DUSTLIK provides the security umbrella necessary to unlock trade potential and secure vital transit routes like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port links.