NEW DELHI: An Indian Army contingent on Sunday departed for the 7th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, “DUSTLIK”, scheduled to be held from April 12 to 25, at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan.Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual event conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan. The previous edition was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune.Composition of contingentsThe Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel, including 45 from the Army, primarily from a battalion of the Mahar Regiment and 15 from the Indian Air Force. The Uzbekistan side will also be represented by around 60 personnel from its Army and Air Force.Focus on joint operationsThe exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in semi-mountainous terrain. It will focus on physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic special arms skills.Both sides will work towards establishing a unified operational framework between their command-and-control structures for effective planning and execution of joint missions.Key operational aspects include land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and the seizure of enemy-held areas. The Indian contingent will also familiarise itself with the operational procedures of the Uzbekistan Armed Forces while sharing its own experiences.The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour validation phase aimed at testing joint tactical drills, with a focus on the preparation and execution of special operations to neutralise unlawful armed groups.Exercise DUSTLIK is expected to help both sides share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures, while enhancing interoperability, operational synergy, and command coordination. It will also promote camaraderie between the troops and further strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.