Indian and Australian Army troops participating in the fifth edition of the bilateral joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 continue joint training across jungle, island and coastal terrain in the vicinity of the Foreign Training Node at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The troops are undertaking a range of specialised activities, including combat swimming, static slithering, ambush drills, drone manoeuvring and physical training.
The ongoing drills form part of the exercise, which commenced on 19 October 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 1 November 2026. Approximately 120 personnel from each army are taking part. The Indian Army contingent is drawn primarily from the Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian Army contingent comprises troops from the 13 Brigade. For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is also participating in the exercise.
Conducted under the theme “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate,” the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, jointmanship and operational coordination between the two armies. It seeks to develop a common understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures required for operations in island and coastal terrain.
Training encompasses joint planning, tactical drills and combat-oriented exercises under realistic conditions, incorporating aerial and maritime dimensions. Focus areas also include coordinated operations in coastal and island environments, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, and responses to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) contingencies, along with the exchange of professional experience and best practices.
The fourth edition of AUSTRAHIND was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025. The current edition in India continues the alternating host arrangement and reinforces the growing defence partnership between the two countries.
These training activities enhance tactical proficiency, combat readiness and interoperability between the participating forces. They also strengthen mutual trust and further consolidate India-Australia defence cooperation, while underscoring the shared commitment of both nations towards peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Official updates and visuals released by defence authorities and media agencies highlight the progressive nature of the training, with troops actively engaged in the varied terrain that characterises the exercise area.
