Why in the News?

The third edition of the joint military exercise, Exercise AUSTRAHIND, commenced in Pune, Maharashtra, on 8^th November, 2024. This annual exercise, conducted alternately in India and Australia, focuses on enhancing military collaboration, and tactical interoperability between the Indian and Australian forces. The current edition follows the 2023 exercise held in Australia.

About the Exercise

• Dates and Location: 8^th –21^st November 2024, at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, Maharashtra.
• Indian Contingent: Comprises 140 personnel, primarily from the DOGRA Regiment, and 14 Indian Air Force personnel.
• Australian Contingent: Includes 120 personnel from the 13^th Light Horse Regiment of the 10^th Brigade, 2nd Division.
• Objective: To foster military cooperation by improving interoperability in joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrains under Chapter VII of the UN mandate.
• Phases of the Exercise:
  • Combat Conditioning and Tactical Training Phase: Emphasis on physical fitness and tactical drills.
  • Validation Phase: Testing and validation of joint operations procedures.
• Expected Outcomes: Enhanced tactical interoperability, sharing of best practices, and stronger bonds between Indian and Australian military personnel.
• Focus Areas: