The India-Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 began on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the Ministry of Defence said.

The fifth edition, scheduled from October 19 to November 1, involves approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army. The Indian contingent includes troops from the Garhwal Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian contingent comprises troops from 13 Brigade.

The previous edition was held at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, from October 13 to 26, 2025.

The exercise is being conducted under the theme "Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate" and aims to enhance interoperability and operational coordination.

Training will cover joint planning, tactical drills, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, covering aerial and maritime dimensions.

As a first, an observer delegation from New Zealand is also participating.

Sources: ANI, Ministry of Defence via Daily Prabhat and NewKerala.