Pune, India: The third-edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND-2024, is currently in full-swing at the Foreign-Training-Node in Aundh, Pune. Kicked-off on 8th November, the two-week exercise, scheduled to conclude on 21st November, focuses on enhancing collaboration and interoperability between the armed-forces of India and Australia.
Phase-One of AUSTRAHIND-2024 has seen active participation from both contingents in diverse training activities, encompassing physical-fitness, martial-arts, joint-tactical-planning, and special-arms skills. Troops are undergoing rigorous drills that simulate real-life combat scenarios such as raiding hostile targets and providing combat-first-aid to injured soldiers, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and boosting coordination between both forces.
In addition to the intensive training sessions, the exercise has also featured cultural-exchange activities. Both contingents embarked on an excursion to the historic Sinhagad-Fort near Pune, enriching participants’ understanding of Indian history and culture. The Australian contingent also visited the prestigious National-Defence-Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune, on 12th November. Here, they toured state-of-the-art training facilities and engaged with NDA instructor staff, gaining insights into the academy’s legacy of discipline and its role in shaping future military leaders.
Phase-Two, set to commence soon, will delve into advanced joint-combat drills and tactical-exercises designed to strengthen the forces' operational-readiness and cohesiveness. The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour validation session, scheduled from 19-20 November, which will assess the skills and coordination honed throughout the program.
AUSTRAHIND-2024 highlights the robust and evolving defence relationship between India and Australia, underscoring both nations' commitment to regional-security and fostering closer military collaboration.(PR)