Canberra, Oct 13: In a major step towards strengthening defence cooperation between India and Australia, around 120 troops from the Indian Army have arrived in Perth to take part in the 4th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 with the Australian Army. The joint military drill will be conducted at the Irwin Barracks from October 13 to 26.
According to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, the exercise aims to bolster defence ties and promote camaraderie, collaboration, and mutual trust between the two forces. “Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 will further strengthen Defence Cooperation and foster camaraderie between Indian and Australian Army troops, thereby reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and mutual trust,” the mission posted on X.
The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and coordination between the two armies, providing a platform for exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare, particularly in urban and semi-urban terrains. The troops will engage in joint company-level operations in open and semi-desert environments, involving joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms training.
Beyond tactical synergy, AUSTRAHIND 2025 aims to refine operational readiness, integrate emerging military technologies, and improve joint combat capabilities in realistic scenarios.
The ongoing exercise follows recent high-level engagements between both nations’ defence establishments. During his visit to Australia last week, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held productive meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles to explore new avenues for defence collaboration.
Earlier in August, Australian Army Chief Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart visited India, where he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and held talks with Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi. His visit further highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Australia, particularly in maintaining regional security and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
