Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025: India-Australia’s Next Step Towards Strong Ties, Days After Security Deal?
Just days after India and Australia signed a major defence agreement aimed at deepening military cooperation, around 120 Indian Army troops have arrived in Australia to participate in the 4th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025, beginning on Monday (October 13, 2025). The timing of the exercise underlines the rapid operationalisation of the new defence roadmap and signals strong intent on both sides to expand strategic synergy.
This comes less than a week after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s historic visit to Australia last week, a first such by a minister under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government since 2014. It was during his visit that India and Australia explored avenues for joint production of military hardware.
Both ministers were pleased the defence partnership now extended across all domains and appreciated the growing frequency and complexity of defence exercises and exchanges and the increasing interoperability through implementation of the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.
Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025: What is the significance of these drills?
According to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, the exercise aims to reinforce defence cooperation and foster mutual trust and interoperability between the Indian and Australian armed forces. It serves as a concrete step in translating the high-level commitments into action on the ground, especially in the wake of last week’s bilateral talks.
Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 will focus on joint company-level operations conducted in open and semi-desert terrain, reflecting both nations’ interest in enhancing preparedness across diverse operational environments. Troops will engage in joint planning, tactical drills, and the honing of specialised combat skills, including coordination in multi-domain scenarios.
The fourth edition of the India- Australia joint military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025, scheduled to be conducted from October 13 to 26, 2025. The Indian Army contingent is being led by a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles along with troops from other arms and services. It is aimed at enhancing military cooperation, improving interoperability.
Why does this matter for the Indo-Pacific?
The joint military drill comes at a time when both New Delhi and Canberra are emphasising their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The recently signed defence deal further aligns both countries’ strategic interests in countering regional threats, securing maritime routes, and contributing to regional peace and stability.
