India and Australia conclude Austrahind 2026 joint validation exercise in Kerala
The 36-hour military exercise in Thiruvananthapuram involved joint operations across jungle, island, and coastal environments.
The Austrahind 2026 military exercise concluded with a 36-hour Joint Validation Exercise held from October 30 to 31, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, according to ANI and The Tribune.
The validation was conducted under Chapter VI of the UN Charter and included operations in jungle, island, and coastal environments. These activities involved sea and air insertions, securing port facilities and beachheads, casualty evacuation, and Counter-Insurgency/Counter-Terrorism operations.
The exercise also featured Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and the protection of vital installations. It brought together the Indian Army and the Australian Defence Force, with support from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Vizhinjam International Port Authority, and Kerala Fire and Rescue Services.
Major General Matt Burr, GOC 2 Division of the Australian Defence Force, and Major General Kapil Rana, GOC 54 Infantry Division of the Indian Army, witnessed the validation. Commodore A J Dowling, the New Zealand Defence Attaché to India and Australia, was also present.
An official release stated that the exercise reaffirmed the commitment of India and Australia to enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, joint operational readiness, and interoperability.