India and Australia Launch Fifth Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram

Key facts

• The fifth edition of the India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 began on October 19, 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam, and will conclude on November 1, 2026.
• Approximately 120 personnel from each army — a total of 240 defence personnel — are participating, with the Indian contingent drawn from the Garhwal Rifles and the Australian contingent from 13 Brigade.
• The exercise is being conducted under the theme 'Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate'.
• Training will cover coordinated operations in coastal and island terrain, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief responses, including aerial and maritime dimensions.
• For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is participating in the exercise.
• The previous (fourth) edition was held at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, from October 13 to 26, 2025.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, jointmanship and mutual trust between the two armies and reinforce their shared commitment to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.