Fifth edition of the India-Australia exercise AUSTRAHIND begins at Thiruvananthapuram with 240 defence personnel

21 October 2026

The joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 began at Thiruvananthapuram on October 20, 2026.
It is the fifth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise.
The fourth edition was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, in Australia last year.
A total of 240 defence personnel are taking part in the exercise.
An observer delegation from New Zealand is taking part for the first time.
The exercise will conclude on November 1.
It aims to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability and mutual trust and to reinforce the shared commitment of the two countries to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.