India-Australia Joint Military Exercise

India-Australia Joint Military Exercise

Why in News?

The fourth edition of the India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-25 is set to begin in October 2025 in Perth, Australia. The exercise aims to strengthen coordination, tactical understanding, and mutual trust between the two armies.

What is the Exercise “AUSTRAHIND”?

• About: Exercise AUSTRAHIND is a bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Australian Army. It represents a vital step in enhancing defence cooperation and interoperability between the two nations. The exercise serves as a platform where soldiers from both sides come together to share tactical knowledge, field strategies, and operational expertise.

• History: The first edition of AUSTRAHIND was conducted in 2022, marking the beginning of formal military collaboration between the two armies. The 2022 edition took place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India, where both forces trained on counter-terrorism operations in semi-desert conditions. 

• Objectives: The main aim of Exercise AUSTRAHIND is to strengthen military-to-military relations and enhance cooperation in the field of defence and security.

• • • To improve the ability of Indian and Australian forces to work together seamlessly. It focuses on communication, coordination, and integration at the tactical level.
    • To focus on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training. Troops practice neutralizing simulated threats and managing hostage or rescue scenarios.
    • To promote military cooperation in joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.

• Phases: Exercise AUSTRAHIND is conducted in two phases, each designed to test different aspects of military readiness and joint coordination.

• • • Training Phase: This stage includes technical training, physical fitness, familiarization with each other’s weapons and tactics. Both forces learn about terrain analysis, and emergency response mechanisms. It helps participants align their operational methods before real-time drills.

• Validation Phase: In this stage, the combined units execute a coordinated mission to assess their level of cooperation and efficiency. It involves scenario-based problem solving, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability under pressure.

India-Australia Defence Relations

• India and Australia share growing defence cooperation. Both countries elevated their relationship in 2020 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). That step expanded cooperation beyond trade and diplomacy into defence, technology, intelligence, and strategic dialogues.
• They first formalised defence cooperation with a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in March 2006. That pact set a foundation for staff exchanges, joint exercises, and senior level policy dialogue. 
• In November 2009, both governments adopted a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. That covered counter-terrorism, maritime security, defence policy talks, disaster-management, and cooperation in law enforcement.
• In June 2020, both Prime Ministers signed a Joint Declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. That pact committed both sides to uphold a rules-based order at sea and promote freedom of navigation. They also agreed to work together in regional forums such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN-led platforms.
• In November 2024, India and Australia concluded an implementing arrangement on Air-to-Air Refuelling, allowing Australian tanker aircraft to refuel Indian aircraft during operations.
• In October 2025, during a visit by India’s Defence Minister to Australia, both nations signed three key defence agreements. They agreed on information sharing mechanisms and mutual submarine rescue support. They also committed to regular Defence Ministers’ Dialogue and stepped up cooperation in defence industry, research, and materiel.
• India and Australia conduct regular Defence Policy Talks, the latest being the 9th talks in March 2025 in New Delhi. During this talk, they discussed increasing operational interoperability across land, sea, and air. They also addressed science & technology cooperation and joint exercises.

India–Australia Other Joint Military Exercises

• AUSINDEX: AUSINDEX is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. It was first conducted in 2015 in the Bay of Bengal and has since become a biennial event. The main objective of this exercise is to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve interoperability between the two navies.

• PITCH BLACK: Exercise PITCH BLACK is a multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), with participation from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and several allied nations. It is held every two years in Australia, usually in the Northern Territory, and aims to enhance air combat interoperability and joint operational skills. India first participated in 2018, deploying Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, aircrew, and ground support teams.

• SINGAEX: SINGAEX is a trilateral joint military exercise involving the Indian Army, Singapore Army, and Australian Army. It focuses on improving cooperation in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance missions. The exercise is conducted periodically and involves troops from all three countries engaging in tactical drills, field training, and disaster-response simulations.

• SLINEX: SLINEX stands for Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise, a series of bilateral naval drills between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, with Australia participating in select years. It is conducted annually and aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance mutual trust, and improve interoperability in naval operations. 

• INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR: INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR (IPE) is one of the largest Australian-led multinational military engagement programs in the region. It is conducted annually under the leadership of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with India playing a significant role as a regional partner. Initiated in 2017, IPE focuses on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR), maritime security cooperation, and defence diplomacy. It involves naval ships, aircraft, and personnel from Australia and several Indo-Pacific nations.

Significance of Joint Military Exercises with Australia

• Strengthening Geopolitical Ties: Joint exercises like AUSTRAHIND, AUSINDEX, and PITCH BLACK enhance strategic cooperation between India and Australia. These drills strengthen the Indo-Pacific security framework, demonstrating shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based regional order. In 2020, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) further formalized this geopolitical alignment.

• Enhancing Operational Interoperability: Regular exercises allow Indian and Australian forces to train together, improving coordination in land, sea, and air operations. For instance, AUSINDEX 2023 included anti-submarine operations. These experiences build mutual understanding of tactics, communication, and command structures.

• Boosting Regional Security: Naval and air drills contribute to safeguarding key sea lanes in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, which carry near 50% of global trade. Exercises such as AUSINDEX and INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR enhance maritime domain awareness, joint disaster response, and rapid crisis management, reinforcing regional stability.

• Promoting Defence Technology: Joint exercises provide a platform to integrate emerging technologies and test modern systems in real scenarios. India and Australia explore drone operations, secure communications, and intelligence-sharing. These collaborations strengthen defence industry ties for future co-development projects.