Uzbekistan’s vast training fields in Namangan are alive with the thunder of artillery and the whirl of helicopter blades as India and Uzbekistan kick off Dustlik 2026. Starting April 12, this week-long joint maneuver—the seventh in the series—zeros in on dismantling terror networks through coordinated assaults.
Troops from both countries dive into intensive training on counter-terror ops: from intelligence-driven searches and ambushes to obliterating enemy bases. Air support, including heavy firepower and aerial logistics, adds realism, preparing units for chaotic battlefields.
Beyond drills, the exercise promotes seamless integration. Soldiers master drone ops, surveillance systems, and complex maneuvers like encircling hideouts or extracting hostages under fire. It’s a masterclass in adaptability, drawing from real combat lessons.
Echoing Pune 2023’s innovations—think drone warfare and helo insertions— this year’s event in Uzbekistan amplifies strategic sharing. Alternating hosts keep the momentum, strengthening bilateral bonds and operational harmony.
In an era of rising militancy, Dustlik exemplifies proactive defense cooperation. It equips forces with shared tactics, builds camaraderie, and signals a resolute stand against terror, fortifying South-Central Asia’s security architecture.
