India and Australia hold joint AUSTRAHIND military drill in Kerala

Indian and Australian troops are putting their combat skills to the test as the two armies come together for a series of joint military drills in Kerala. From jungle warfare and combat swimming to drone operations and ambush drills, soldiers are training to tackle security challenges across coastal and island terrain. While the fifth edition of Exercise Austrahind, is currently underway in Thiruvananthapuram, bringing together around 240 military personnel from both countries. The 14-day exercise, which began on October 19th, will continue until November 1st. The Indian contingent is led by troops from the Garhwal Rifles, while Australia is represented by its 13th Infantry Brigade. And for the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is also taking part. The drills are focused on improving coordination between the two armies during joint operations in challenging terrain. Troops are practicing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. surveillance, reconnaissance and the protection of critical installations. Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, also visited the exercise and highlighted the growing defence partnership between the two countries. He emphasised the strategic importance of the eastern Indian Ocean and the need for closer military cooperation to address emerging security challenges. The exercise also reflects the growing defence ties between India and Australia, as both countries work towards maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.