India-Australia military exercise Austrahind 2026 concludes in Kerala
The 36-hour joint validation exercise in Thiruvananthapuram involved 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, conducted under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, included joint operations in jungle, island and coastal environments. These operations involved sea and air insertions, securing port facilities and beachheads, casualty evacuation, and Counter-Insurgency/Counter-Terrorism operations.
The exercise also covered Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and the protection of vital installations. It brought together the Indian Army and 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 the exercise reaffirmed the commitment of India and Australia to enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, joint operational readiness and interoperability.