India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise Dustlik 2026 Concludes in Namangan, Boosting Defence Cooperation and Counter-Terror Preparedness

TASHKENT: The seventh edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘Dustlik’ culminated with a final validation exercise and closing ceremony at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, on Friday. According to the Indian Defence Ministry, the exercise reinforced military cooperation and improved interoperability between the Indian Army and the Armed Forces of the Uzbekistan.  

The exercise enhanced preparedness for joint operations to neutralise unlawful armed groups, while providing an opportunity to exchange best practices in counter-terrorism, the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) stated on Friday.

Exercise Dustlik is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. The last edition was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune, in April 2025. (IANS)

Also Read: Afghanistan, Uzbekistan ink $2.5 billion Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): Statement