Why is it in the News?

The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 81 personnel departed for Australia on Wednesday to take part in the second edition of Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23.

About Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23:

• Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23 was established in 2022, with its first edition held in Mahajan, Rajasthan.
• It is planned as an annual training event, alternating between India and Australia.
• The primary goal of the exercise is to cultivate collaborative partnerships and share best practices between the two sides.
• This year, the exercise is scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia, spanning from November 22nd to December 6th, 2023.
• The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 60 personnel from a Gorkha Rifles battalion, will actively participate in this exercise.
• A key focus is on promoting interoperability during multi-domain operations in urban and semi-urban terrain, aligned with Chapter VII of the United Nations on peacekeeping operations.
• The joint exercise serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and collectively rehearsing tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting tactical operations.
• Additionally, the exercise contributes to fostering understanding between the two militaries, further strengthening defense cooperation between the two friendly nations.

Other Exercises between India and the Aus:

• AUSINDEX - Naval exercise between India and Australia
• Exercise Pitch Black - It is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).