India and Australia Begin Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 in Kerala
What Happened
India and Australia began the fifth edition of joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND on October 19, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Running until November 1, the exercise involves approximately 120 soldiers from each country. Indian troops from the Garhwal Rifles and Australian personnel from the 13th Brigade will train together in coastal operations, surveillance and tactical coordination.
Key Takeaways
The exercise aims to improve coordination between the two armies through joint planning and realistic operational training. It supports both countries' stated commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and military interoperability.