Exercise Austrahind: India-Australia Joint Military Exercise

Instituted in 2022: First edition was held at the Mahajan field firing range in Rajasthan, India.

• Annual alternation: Conducted yearly, alternating between India and Australia.

• Timeline: 2022 (India, Mahajan), 2023 (Australia, Perth), 2024 (India, Pune), 2025 (Australia, Perth).

Objectives & Training Focus

1. Interoperability: It strengthened coordination between Indian and Australian armies.There is evident mutual understanding in planning and executing missions.

2. Urban Warfare: Preparation entails focusing counter-terrorism operations within urban environments. This incorporates building restoration techniques, building-to-building clearing, hostage rescue, etc. Understand methods for functioning in densely populated and intricate urban areas.

3. Company-Level Drills: Australia and India have conducted joint planning and mock raids. The countries practiced small-unit tactics such as ambushes, defense, and assault.

4. Skill Exchange: India and Australia collaborated to exchange information concerning training in the areas of sniping, surveillance, and communication. Integrated drone technology and modern sensors to provide improved positional awareness. Trainers taught personnel how to use cutting-edge technology in the field, including real-time mapping.

5. Camaraderie: The drill aims to build teamwork and cultural understanding through shared activities. In the long run, it seeks to create trust and friendships between the two armies.

Operational Details of Exercise Austrahind 2025

Strategic Significance of Exercise Austrahind 2025

• Strengthening Bilateral Partnership

  • Deepens the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

  • Augments enduring military comprehension and confidence.

• Advancing Indo-Pacific Security

  • Increases responsiveness to confronting regional challenges.

  • Fosters a stable, rules-based order within the Indo-Pacific.

• Global Peace Commitment

  • Reflects shared support for UN-led peacekeeping and counter-terror operations.

  • Emphasizes both nations’ commitment to global security cooperation.

• Symbolism and Messaging

  • Sends a message of practical and growing partnership to other regional players.

  • Demonstrates that both nations are moving beyond symbolic cooperation to real action.

Challenges and Criticisms

1. Scope: The exercise is primarily limited to sub-conventional warfare. No maritime-air integration or consideration of large-scale combat exists.

2. Substance vs. Symbolism: Some people criticize exercises as only symbolic. They believe that no one takes real action afterward. The linkage of defence cooperation and intelligence sharing truly constitutes the cooperation.

3. Logistics and Cost: Significant costs always relate to transportation, deployment, and equipment. One must question whether the cost justifies the outcome.

4. Interoperability: There are significant differences in equipment, training, and methodology that limit full operational integration during real missions.

5. Regional: There are perceptions, especially from some neighbouring countries, that the exercise signals an alignment of strategy. India must, therefore, manage its participation along with the necessary diplomatic sensitivity to the region.

Way Forward and Policy Implications

1. Institutional Strengthening

   1. Build on frameworks like the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA).

   2. Promote long-term cooperation through joint logistics and planning mechanisms.

2. Regular Staff Dialogues

   1. Implement post exercise reviews and staff meetings.

   2. Incorporate learned lessons into revised future strategies.

3. Defence Industry Cooperation

   1. Motivate collaborative research and development and coproduction and supply chain cooperation.

   2. Co-developed capabilities for surveillance, communication, and logistical support.

4. Expand Exercises

   1. Mix Austrahind with Navy (AUSINDEX), Air (Pitch Black) exercises.

   2. Form a comprehensive tri-service exercise for enhanced synergy.

5. Deepen Broader Ties

   1. Extend beyond defence and enrich trade, education and culture relationships.

   2. Develop people-to-people connections to ensure a robust strategic partnership.

Other India- Australia Military Exercises: Strengthening Defence Cooperation

India and Australia conduct several joint military exercises across land, sea, and air. These drills, alongside Exercise Austrahind, enhance defence coordination, interoperability, and mutual trust, contributing to stronger strategic ties and a secure, stable Indo-Pacific region.