Thiruvananthapuram: The fifth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise Austrahind 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Monday. The exercise will be conducted from October 19 to November 1, with approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and Australian Army participating.
The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles and personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian contingent includes troops from the 13 Brigade. The previous edition of the exercise was held at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, from October 13 to 26, 2025.
The exercise is themed around “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate”. It aims to improve interoperability, jointmanship and operational coordination between the two armies, while developing a shared understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in island and coastal terrain.
During the exercise, troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills and combat-oriented training under realistic operational conditions, incorporating aerial and maritime dimensions. Training will focus on coordinated operations in coastal and island environments, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, and responses to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief contingencies.
The exercise will also provide an opportunity for personnel from both countries to exchange professional experiences and best practices. In a first, an observer delegation from New Zealand will participate in the exercise.
Austrahind 2026 is expected to strengthen military cooperation, operational interoperability and mutual trust between India and Australia, reinforcing their shared commitment to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
