India and Uzbekistan begin 7th edition of joint exercise DUSTLIK at Gurumsaray, Namangan

Exam-focused facts from the 13 April 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The 7th edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK runs from 12 to 25 April 2026 at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan.
The Indian contingent totals 60 personnel: 45 from the Army (Mahar Regiment battalion) and 15 from the Indian Air Force.
Uzbekistan fields around 60 personnel from its Army and Air Force.
The exercise focuses on physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic special arms skills in semi-mountainous terrain.
Key operational aspects include land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and seizure of enemy-held areas.
A 48-hour validation phase will test joint tactical drills for neutralising unlawful armed groups.
The previous edition was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune.