AUSTRAHIND 2025, the fourth edition of the joint military drill, is underway in Bindoon Training Area in Australia's Perth. Interestingly, Perth City, which is the capital of the Western Australia State, hosted the first ODI between the men's cricket teams of the two countries on the same day.
It was on October 11, Saturday, that an Indian Army contingent comprising 120 personnel, including women, departed for Perth for the military exercise. A Battalion of the Gorkha Rifles was part of the contingent, along with troops from other arms and services, the Defence Ministry had earlier said.
The exercise will focus on joint company-level operations in open and semi-desert terrain, wherein troops will undertake missions ranging from joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills. It will offer a valuable opportunity to hone operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate jointly in a combat environment.
The images of the drill released by the ADG Public Information of the Indian Army showed personnel of both countries stretching on yoga mats, practising close-hand combat, and navigating a drone.
Last year, the third edition of the drill was held in Maharashtra. The year prior to that, the drill had a special focus on amphibious operations and the soldiers were trained on Australian beaches.
India-Australia defence ties
Earlier in March, New Delhi hosted the 9th Defence Policy Talks (DPTs) between the two QUAD nations. Earlier this month, the defence ministers of both countries had met and welcomed the signing of the Australia–India Implementing Arrangement on Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation.
Exercise #AUSTRAHIND 2025 🇮🇳🤝🇦🇺
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 19, 2025
The fourth edition of the joint military Exercise #AUSTRAHIND between the #IndianArmy & #AustralianArmy is currently underway in full swing at the Bindoon Training Area, Australia.
The contingents are engaging in physical training, yoga, firing… pic.twitter.com/aP7P7vrbTF
They welcomed progress towards operationalising the Australia–India Implementing Arrangement on Air-to-Air Refuelling signed in 2024. "Ministers were pleased the defence partnership now extended across all domains. Ministers welcomed the establishment of Joint Staff Talks as a forum to progress joint exercises, operations, and interoperability across all domains. Australia welcomed India’s participation in Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2025 and looked forward to India’s participation in 2027," an official statement had said.
