The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND, commenced on November 8 at the Foreign Training Node in Pune.
- AUSTRAHIND, which launched in 2022 in Rajasthan, has grown into an annual event, alternating between India and Australia.
- This year’s edition focuses on enhancing joint capabilities in sub-conventional operations within semi-urban and semi-desert environments, in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN mandate.
- The Indian contingent comprises 140 personnel, primarily from the DOGRA Regiment and the Indian Air Force, while the Australian side is represented by 120 soldiers from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade.
- The exercise will proceed in two phases: combat conditioning and tactical training, followed by a validation phase.
- Special Heli-Borne Operations will also be conducted, allowing both nations to share tactical expertise and operational practices.
- India and Australia’s defense cooperation extends beyond AUSTRAHIND, including a 2+2 Defence and Foreign Minister’s Dialogue, policy discussions, and various bilateral exercises like AUSINDEX, a maritime exercise, and PITCHBLACK, a multinational air force exercise held in Australia.
