Exercise DUSTLIK 2026: India-Uzbekistan 7th edition at Namangan
Why in the news
India and Uzbekistan held the 2026 round of their joint military drill, which has grown from basic infantry training into a broader, multi-domain engagement.
Key facts
- Edition: 7th, in 2026; annual and bilateral.
- Host in 2026: Uzbekistan, Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan.
- Previous edition: Pune, India, in 2025.
- Participants: armed forces of both countries.
Objectives
- Semi-mountainous warfare in terrain resembling Central Asia and Northern India.
- Counter-terrorism through joint special operations against Unlawful Armed Groups.
- Inter-service synergy: stronger focus on bringing the Air Force in alongside the Army.
Exam angle
- Partner country: Uzbekistan.
- Host alternation: Pune (2025), Namangan (2026).
- Terrain type stressed: semi-mountainous.