Indian and Australian army troops are conducting joint combat drills across jungle, island and coastal terrain at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with training activities including combat swimming, ambush drills and drone manoeuvring to strengthen operational coordination and combat readiness between the two armies.According to news agency ANI, the fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 is being held from October 19 to November 1. The 14-day exercise brings together troops from the Indian Army’s Garhwal Rifles and Australia’s 13th Infantry Brigade.According to the ministry of defence, approximately 240 personnel are participating in the exercise, with around 120 soldiers each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army.The Indian contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles and personnel from other arms and services, while Australia is represented by its 13th Brigade. For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is also participating in the exercise.The exercise is being conducted under the theme “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate”, according to the ministry of defence.
It aims to improve interoperability, joint planning and operational coordination between the two armies, while developing a common understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in island and coastal terrain.During the exercise, troops are undertaking combat-oriented training under realistic operational conditions, incorporating aerial and maritime dimensions.The drills focus on coordinated operations in coastal and island environments, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, and responses to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief contingencies.The training activities also include physical conditioning, combat swimming, static slithering, ambush drills and drone manoeuvring. These exercises are intended to improve tactical proficiency and combat readiness while allowing personnel from both armies to exchange operational experience and best practices.