Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1 (PTI) The two-week long fifth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise — AUSTRAHIND — concluded here on Sunday.
It culminated after a 36-hour Joint Validation Exercise conducted from October 30 to 31 at Thiruvananthapuram under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, a Defence release said.
The validation involved intensive joint operations across jungle, island and coastal environments, including sea and air insertions, securing beachheads and port facilities, casualty evacuation, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), protection of vital installations and Counter-Insurgency/Counter-Terrorism (CI/CT) operations.
“The exercise brought together the Indian Army and Australian Defence Force, supported by personnel and assets from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Vizhinjam International Port Authority and Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, demonstrating effective multi-agency coordination and multi-domain operational synergy.”
These activities aim to enhance combat readiness, operational coordination and interoperability, while fostering mutual trust and further strengthening the enduring India–Australia defence partnership, it added.
The validation was witnessed by Major General Matt Burr, AM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Australian Defence Force, Major General Kapil Rana, SM, GOC 54 Infantry Division, Indian Army and and Commodore A J Dowling, New Zealand Defence Attaché to India and Australia.
For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand was also participating in the exercise.
The exercise reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Australia to enhancing interoperability, joint operational readiness and bilateral defence cooperation, the release said.
The Indian Army contingent comprised troops from the Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian Army contingent comprised troops from its 13 Brigade.
The fourth edition was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from October 13 to 26 last year. PTI HMP ROH
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