The fifth edition of the India–Australia joint exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced on 19 October at the Foreign Training Node in Keralam, the Ministry of Defence said. The exercise will continue until 1 November and focuses on “Joint Sub‑Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter Seven of the UN Mandate.”
Exercise composition and tasks
According to the Ministry of Defence, each country has deployed approximately 120 personnel. The Indian contingent includes troops from the Garhwal Rifles alongside personnel drawn from other arms and services; the Australian formation taking part is from the 13th Brigade.
During the two‑week programme, units from both armies will carry out joint planning, tactical drills and combat‑oriented training under realistic operational conditions. The MOD said the exercise incorporates aerial and maritime dimensions to reflect the demands of operations in littoral and island settings.
- Dates: 19 October–1 November 2026
- Location: Foreign Training Node, Keralam
- Participants: ~120 personnel each from India and Australia; Garhwal Rifles and Australian 13th Brigade
- Theme: Joint sub‑conventional operations in island and coastal environment (Chapter VII mandate)
Strategic context
The MOD described the exercise as intended to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability and mutual trust between the two armies. Training in island and coastal sub‑conventional operations addresses a specific operational environment in the Indian Ocean region where both countries have growing security interests and regularly cooperate on maritime security and humanitarian assistance.
Previous editions of AUSTRAHIND have aimed to build shared procedures for planning and execution in complex littoral settings; this year’s inclusion of aerial and maritime components reflects an emphasis on multi‑domain coordination in such scenarios, the Ministry of Defence said.
Practical training elements
The exercise timetable comprises command post drills, live tactical exercises and combined manoeuvres that integrate infantry, supporting arms and air elements. The MOD said realistic operational conditions will test planning, communication and execution under stress, and help develop common operating procedures.
Both sides will also use the exercise as an opportunity for professional exchanges on tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to island and coastal operations.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exercise name | AUSTRAHIND 2026 |
| Host | Foreign Training Node, Keralam |
| Indian units | Garhwal Rifles and other arms and services |
| Australian units | 13th Brigade |
| Duration | 19 October–1 November 2026 |
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise will deepen ties and improve the two armies’ ability to operate together in the maritime littoral. Both navies and air arms are playing supporting roles to reflect the multi‑domain nature of contemporary sub‑conventional operations.
