AUSTRAHIND 2026: India, Australia Armies Train in Thiruvananthapuram
Image: PIB
The fifth edition of AUSTRAHIND, the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Australian Army, began on Monday, October 19, at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The exercise will run till November 1, the Ministry of Defence said, according to IANS and Asianet News.
Garhwal Rifles and Australia’s 13 Brigade
About 120 personnel from each army are taking part. The Indian contingent is drawn mainly from the Garhwal Rifles, along with troops from other arms and services, while the Australian side is from the Australian Army’s 13 Brigade.
New Zealand has sent an observer delegation, the first time it has joined the exercise in this role, according to the reports.
Coastal and Island Operations Under a UN Mandate
The theme this year is joint sub-conventional operations in island and coastal environments under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which covers peace enforcement missions. Troops will practise surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations and coordinated operations along coastlines and islands.
The programme also includes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills, and sessions where officers share their field experience.
Kerala Coast as the Training Ground
The coastal setting of Thiruvananthapuram matches this year’s focus on island and coastal operations. Joint exercises of this kind let the two forces practise working together, including for relief work after disasters, which is part of this year’s programme.
The exercise runs for two weeks, from October 19 to November 1, at the Army’s Foreign Training Node in the Kerala capital.
The exercise follows other defence activity this month, including the commissioning of INS Samarthak at Karwar and the Defence Ministry’s contracts for GSAT-7C and Varunastra torpedoes. The two armies will continue drills over the next two weeks.
Based on reporting by IANS, Asianet News and The Tribune.
Image: PIB.
