Overview of Exercise DUSTLIK

  • The 7th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK, a bilateral military exercise between India and Uzbekistan, is scheduled to be held in Namangan, Uzbekistan.
  • Conducted by the Indian Armed Forces alongside the Uzbekistan Armed Forces, it marks a significant step in deepening defence ties.
  • This edition features tri-services integration training, indicating participation from the Army, Navy, and Air Force in coordinated drills.

Key Details

  • First Edition: 2019
  • Frequency: Annual
  • Venue Rotation: Alternately hosted by India and Uzbekistan
  • 2026 Venue: Namangan, Uzbekistan
  • Terrain Focus: Semi-mountainous regions

Objectives of Exercise DUSTLIK

  • Enhance bilateral military cooperation and interoperability.
  • Develop a unified command-and-control structure for joint operations.
  • Conduct joint tactical drills, strike missions, and land navigation exercises.
  • Culminate in special operations aimed at neutralizing unlawful armed groups.
  • Improve coordination in counter-terrorism and asymmetric warfare scenarios.

Strategic Significance

  • Reinforces India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy.
  • Strengthens India’s defence footprint in a region traditionally influenced by Russia and China.
  • Promotes regional stability and security cooperation in a geopolitically vital zone.

About Uzbekistan

  • Location: Central Asia
  • Landlocked Status: Doubly landlocked (only other country: Liechtenstein)
  • Neighbours:
  • North: Kazakhstan
  • Northeast: Kyrgyzstan
  • Southeast: Tajikistan
  • South: Afghanistan
  • Southwest: Turkmenistan
  • Physical Features:
  • Dominated by the Kyzylkum Desert and Turan Plain
  • Eastern mountain ranges: Tien Shan, Gissar, Alay
  • Fertile valleys: Fergana Valley, Zeravshan Valley (home to historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara)
  • Autonomous Region: Karakalpakstan
  • Geopolitical Role: Key player in Central Asian security, energy, and transport corridors

India-Uzbekistan Defence Relations

  • Exercise DUSTLIK is a key pillar of bilateral defence engagement.
  • Complements other agreements such as the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed to boost economic cooperation.
  • Supports India’s broader strategic outreach through defence diplomacy in Central Asia.