India, Australia troops train for coastal, island warfare in AUSTRAHIND 2026

Indian and Australian army troops are conducting joint combat drills across jungle, island and coastal terrain at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with training activities including combat swimming, ambush drills and drone manoeuvring to strengthen operational coordination and combat readiness between the two armies.According to news agency ANI, the fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 is being held from October 19 to November 1. The 14-day exercise brings together troops from the Indian Army’s Garhwal Rifles and Australia’s 13th Infantry Brigade.According to the ministry of defence, approximately 240 personnel are participating in the exercise, with around 120 soldiers each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army.The Indian contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles and personnel from other arms and services, while Australia is represented by its 13th Brigade.