Strategic Dialogue Aims to Boost Defence Industry Ties Between India and Uzbekistan

India and Uzbekistan convened a strategic defence dialogue in Tashkent as part of their sixth Joint Working Group meeting. The dialogue, led by Joint Secretary Dinesh Kumar and Lt. Col. Sukhrabjon Sodikzhanovich Sirrozov, placed a strong emphasis on deepening industrial collaboration alongside training and exercises.

Delegates examined pathways for joint production of defence hardware, technology transfer agreements, and the creation of shared research facilities. India’s growing defence export portfolio was highlighted as a catalyst for future co‑development projects, while Uzbek officials expressed interest in leveraging Indian expertise to modernise their own defence manufacturing base.

In addition to industrial matters, the participants agreed to expand the scope of joint training programmes, incorporating specialised modules on anti‑terrorism operations and combined‑arms tactics. These initiatives will be alternated between Indian and Uzbek bases, ensuring that officers and enlisted personnel benefit from reciprocal exposure to diverse operational environments.

The meeting also reviewed the recent “Dustlik” exercise held in April 2026 at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area, noting its success in improving interoperability in semi‑mountainous terrains. Both sides praised the exercise’s role in enhancing tactical coordination and pledged to schedule further iterations in the coming years.

Overall, the strategic dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to a comprehensive security partnership that integrates training, capacity building, and a robust defence industry collaboration.