AUSTRAHIND 2025 (October 13-26)India, Australia to hold joint military exercise

An Indian Army contingent has departed for Australia to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise ‘AUSTRAHIND 2025’, highlighting growing defence cooperation between the two nations.

AUSTRAHIND

It was instituted in 2022 and the first edition was conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan

• It is planned to be an annual training event to be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.

• AUSTRAHIND aims to foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two sides.

• The exercise will also promote inter- operability while undertaking multi-domain operations in Urban and Semi- Urban terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations on peace keeping operations.  

India-Australia Defence Relations:

India’s defence ties with Australia gained momentum after both countries became Comprehensive Strategic Partners in 2020 and signed a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement in 2021.

Both countries also participate in multilateral exercises such as Malabar, Talisman Sabre, and Cope India, reflecting their shared commitment to regional security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. 

How have been the India- Australia Relations so far?

Historical Perspective:

• Australia and India for the first time established diplomatic relations in the pre-Independence period, when the Consulate General of India was first opened as a Trade Office in Sydney in 1941.

• India-Australia relations touched a historic low when the Australian Government condemned India’s 1998 nuclear tests.

• In 2014, Australia signed a Uranium supply deal with India, the first of its kind with a country that is a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in recognition of India’s “impeccable” non-proliferation record.

People-to-people Ties:

India is one of the top sources of skilled immigrants to Australia. As per the 2021 Census, around 9.76 lakh people in Australia reported their ancestry as Indian origin, making them the second largest group of overseas-born residents in Australia.

Strategic Ties:

• In 2020, Prime ministers of both the countries elevated bilateral relationship from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive strategic Partnership during India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual Summit.

• In 2021, the prime ministers of both the countries met during COP26 at Glasgow.

• In 2022, there has been a series of high-level engagements and exchange of ministerial visits in 2022 and in 2023 including India-Australia virtual summit and Foreign Ministers meet. Several key announcements were made during 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit.

• A Letter of Intent on Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement to foster the exchange of skills.

   Defence Cooperation:

• The Ministerial Dialogue took place in September 2021, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia visited India in June 2022.

• The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) was signed during the Virtual Summit in June 2020 to enhance defence cooperation.

  Joint military exercises:

Australia will host the "Malabar" exercises in August 2023, with participation from India, Japan, and the US.

India has been invited to join the Talisman Sabre exercises in 2023.

China Factor:

• China responded by imposing trade barriers on Australian exports, and by cutting off all ministerial contact.

• India is facing Chinese aggression along the border which has been highlighted by incidents such as Galwan valley clash.

• Both Australia and India support a rules-based international order and they are seeking to forge regional institutions in the Indo-Pacific which are inclusive, promote further economic integration.

• The countries participation in Quad (India, Australia, US, Japan) is an example of their convergence of interests, based on shared concerns.

Multilateral Cooperation:

• Both are members of the Quad, Commonwealth, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia Pacific Partnership on Climate and Clean Development, and have participated in the East Asia Summits.

• Both countries have also been cooperating as members of the Five Interested Parties (FIP) in the World Trade Organization context.

• Australia is an important player in Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and supports India's membership of the organisation.

Highlights

• AUSTRAHIND 2022: Conducted in Rajasthan, India; focused on tactical-level operations in counter-terror environments.

• AUSTRAHIND 2024: Held in Australia, continuing the goal of strengthening joint operational readiness.

  
  

  This edition included advanced combat simulations, joint patrol missions, and strategic planning sessions, highlighting the increasing sophistication of Indo-Australian defence engagement.

Strategic Importance

AUSTRAHIND holds significant strategic relevance for both countries:

• Strengthens Indo-Pacific security cooperation and deters regional threats.

• Enhances military interoperability, making both armies better equipped for joint humanitarian or combat missions.

• Reinforces India’s “Act East” policy and Australia’s role as a key partner in the region.

• Reflects the shared vision of both nations to maintain peace, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.

Conclusion

AUSTRAHIND 2024 is a symbol of the deepening defence partnership between India and Australia. It demonstrates mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific region. As both nations continue to expand their cooperation, AUSTRAHIND stands as a vital pillar of their strategic alliance and future military readiness.