India and Uzbekistan begin annual military drills

The seventh edition of the exercises focuses on special operations and counter-terror coordination

India and Uzbekistan have kicked off the seventh edition of their annual joint military exercises. Launched in 2019, the exercise is held alternately in India and Uzbekistan each year.

This year’s drills, titled ‘Dustlik 2026’, started on Sunday at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan.

The focus of the exercises is to enhance preparedness for the planning and execution of joint special operations and counter-terrorism coordination against unlawful armed groups, the Indian Army said in a statement.

The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel, including 45 from a battalion of the Mahar Regiment, and 15 from the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Uzbek contingent is also drawn from its army and air force personnel.

‘Dustlik 2026’: 🇮🇳🤝🇺🇿 India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Drills Set For Namangan, Uzbekistan

Scheduled from April 12 to 25 at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area, the 7th edition will focus on joint special operations and counter-terror coordination against unlawful armed groups.… pic.twitter.com/l19VytbMga

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) April 12, 2026

The Indian personnel are also expected to familiarize themselves with the operational procedures and drills of the Uzbekistan Armed Forces.

A 48-hour validation phase to test joint tactical drills is also on the agenda.

The previous edition of the annual joint military exercises was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Pune.

India, which has a wide-ranging cooperation with Uzbekistan, established a joint working group on defense with the Central Asian nation in 2019.