India and Australia commenced the third iteration of the joint military exercise ‘Austrahind’ in Pune on November 8, 2024. This joint exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen military relations through comprehensive training focused on counter-terrorism and urban warfare. Spanning from November 8 to 21, it involves 255 personnel from both countries, reflecting a commitment to cooperation amidst evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
On November 8, 2024, Pune served as the venue for the commencement of the third iteration of the joint military exercise ‘Austrahind,’ a collaborative effort between the Indian and Australian armed forces. This exercise highlights the historical military cooperation during the World Wars and the mutual recognition of contemporary threats in the Indo-Pacific region. During this iteration, which runs until November 21, a total of 255 military personnel from both nations will engage in extensive training aimed at enhancing interoperability across various operational domains, thereby solidifying defense ties between India and Australia. ‘Austrahind’ was first conducted in 2022, with the initial session taking place in Rajasthan and the second in Perth, Australia, establishing the event as an annual training exercise alternating between the two nations. The Australian contingent comprises members of the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division of the Australian Army, while the Indian forces include troops from the 9 Dogra Infantry Battalion and Indian Air Force Garud Commandos. The exercise aims to bolster military cooperation through shared tactics, techniques, and procedures, focusing particularly on counter-terrorism operations and urban warfare. Brigadier Sanjeev Saharan, commander of the Indian contingent, emphasized the strong historical bonds forged during the World Wars. He noted, “Our nations share a proud history of cooperation… Our troops fought with unmatched bravery and camaraderie.” Meanwhile, Brigadier Amanda Williamson of the Australian contingent highlighted the current global challenges, stating, “Both our nations currently face common threats in our region… promoting a stable, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.” The exercise’s two phases—combat conditioning and tactical training—will cover various operations, including establishing a Joint Operations Centre and conducting counter-terrorism strategies. Beyond military training, there is a cultural exchange aspect to the exercise, with Brigadier Williamson expressing hope for cricket games between the contingents, stating her anticipation for friendly competitions in the beloved sport. Overall, the exercise aims to foster military readiness while strengthening the enduring friendship between India and Australia.
The joint military exercise ‘Austrahind’ represents a continuation of the increasing military collaboration between India and Australia has its roots in the shared histories of World War encounters. As both nations recognize the importance of security in the Indo-Pacific region, ‘Austrahind’ seeks to address evolving security challenges. Conducted annually, this exercise allows both countries to enhance their military capabilities and strengthen defense ties against common threats. This cooperation is not merely limited to tactical training but encompasses a broad spectrum of joint operations and cultural exchanges.
In summary, the ‘Austrahind’ exercise stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Australia, with a strong emphasis on shared history and contemporary security concerns. Through collaborative training sessions, the two military contingents are expected to improve their operational interoperability while addressing significant regional threats. The cultural aspect of the exercise, particularly through the game of cricket, further cements the bonds of camaraderie and mutual respect between the forces.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
