India and Australia have begun their fifth joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with around 240 personnel training together on operations in coastal and island environments.
The exercise commenced on 19 October at the Foreign Training Node and is scheduled to continue until 1 November. Approximately 120 personnel from each country’s army are participating, with the programme designed to improve coordination, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two forces.
The Indian contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles and personnel from other arms and services, while Australia is represented by soldiers from the 13th Brigade. A New Zealand observer delegation is also participating for the first time, although the exercise itself remains a bilateral engagement between India and Australia.
This year AUSTRAHIND Exercise has been planned on an amphibious setting, towards enhancing cooperation in this domain in line with Australian Army’s littoral manoeuvre capability development plan and Indian Army’s expertise.
Focused on joint sub-conventional operations in island and coastal environments, the exercise will involve joint planning, tactical drills and combat-oriented training to enhance interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures.
The exercise reinforces the growing India-Australia defence partnership, fostering greater military synergy and a shared commitment to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The programme also covers surveillance and reconnaissance, the protection of vital installations and responses to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief situations. These activities are intended to help troops develop a shared understanding of operational procedures and improve their ability to coordinate during joint missions.
AUSTRAHIND is conducted alternately in India and Australia. The fourth edition took place at Irwin Barracks in Perth from 13 to 26 October 2025. The continuing series provides opportunities for personnel from both armies to exchange professional experience and practise working together in different operational environments.
The exercise forms part of broader defence cooperation between the two countries, which also encompasses naval engagement, maritime security and air force training. Both governments have identified military cooperation and interoperability as important elements of their partnership and their engagement across the Indo-Pacific.
Australia also participated in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October. The second edition brought together air forces from seven foreign countries: Australia, France, Germany, United States, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Another 32 countries participated as observers.
Conducted under the theme “Power in Partnership”, Tarang Shakti provided a setting for participating air forces to undertake complex joint missions, exchange operational experience and improve their ability to work together. The exercise involved a range of aircraft, including combat aircraft, transport platforms and air-to-air refuelling aircraft, allowing participating forces to engage in training across different operational roles.
Australia’s participation in both AUSTRAHIND and Tarang Shakti highlights the range of military engagement between Canberra and New Delhi. Through these exercises, India and Australia continue to build military-to-military relationships, develop familiarity with each other’s procedures and strengthen their capacity to coordinate across different operational settings forging stronger bonds and enhancing interoperability. The engagements form part of their ongoing defence partnership and shared interest in peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
