India-Australia conduct joint military exercise Austrahind in Pune
Maharashtra: AustraHind, the third iteration of the India-Australia joint military exercise, is now taking place from November 8–21 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra.
This two-week training program aims to improve collaboration and interoperability between the two countries’ armed services, according to an announcement from the Defense Ministry.
“The Foreign Training Node at Aundh, Pune, is now hosting the third iteration of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind. The exercise, which began on November 8 and will run through November 21, includes a two-week training program aimed at improving collaboration and communication between the two countries’ military services,” the statement said.
Troops from both nations are already actively participating in a range of training exercises during the first phase of AustraHind 2024, such as martial arts, physical fitness, joint tactical planning, special weaponry skills, etc.
Additionally, participants have been rehearsing combat situations, such as storming a hostile objective and providing wounded troops with combat first aid. The announcement said that the purpose of these exercises is to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the Australian and Indian military.
Both contingents took part in a trip to the ancient Sinhagad Fort near Pune as part of the social and cultural activities of the exercise, which offered a historical and cultural experience. On November 12, the Australian contingent also got the chance to see the esteemed National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune.
“During the visit, the participants were familiarised with the NDA’s state-of-the-art training facilities and had the chance to interact with instructor staff, gaining insights into the academy’s rigorous training environment and its legacy of discipline and excellence in shaping future military leaders,” according to the press release.
In order to improve the operational preparedness and interoperability between the two forces, Phase II of the exercise will concentrate on cooperative combat drills and tactical exercises.
A 48-hour validation exercise, planned for November 19–20, will be the exercise’s culmination and will assess the coordination and skill sets developed throughout the earlier training stages.
As both countries continue to cooperate to improve regional security and promote greater military cooperation, AustraHind 2024 highlights the robust and expanding defense relations between Australia and India, the statement said.
