Pariksha SaathiFifth India–Australia exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 begins at Thiruvananthapuram, with a New Zealand observer delegation for the first time
The fifth edition of the India–Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 began on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the Ministry of Defence said; it runs until 01 November 2026, with about 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army. The Indian contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles, with personnel from other arms and services, and the Australian contingent troops from 13 Brigade. The theme is 'Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate', with joint planning, tactical drills and training in coastal and island operations, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including aerial and maritime dimensions. For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is taking part. The fourth edition was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025.
Drafted with AI assistance from the official PIB release linked above and checked against it by a second AI pass. Not line-edited by a human.
Learning context
AUSTRA HIND 22 was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from 28 November to 11 December 2022; the Ministry of Defence described it as the first exercise in the series with an all-arms-and-services contingent from both armies, with troops of the Dogra Regiment for the Indian Army and soldiers of the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division for the Australian Army. It was announced as a yearly exercise, held alternately in India and Australia.
Reference: PIB release of 27 November 2022 on AUSTRA HIND 22
Check yourself: which regiment's troops form the Indian Army contingent in AUSTRAHIND 2026?
The Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services.
Revision task: from this release, note the venue, dates, strength, contingents, theme and the New Zealand observers, and keep them apart from the 2022 facts above.
Test yourself
Where did the fifth edition of the India–Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND begin on 19 October 2026?
Show the answer
Answer: Thiruvananthapuram
The 5th edition of AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and runs from 19 October to 01 November 2026.
Read the daily collection → · Editorial standards & corrections