Conventional warfighting and cricket will underscore the deepening defence cooperation between Australian and India, as 120 soldiers from the Australian Army’s 13th Brigade depart for the third iteration of Exercise Austrahind 2024.
The exercise, held this year in India’s Pune region, is a three-week joint training activity and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Commander of 13th Brigade, Brigadier Amanda Williamson, said Exercise Austrahind allowed Australia and India to share their skills and tactics in an increasingly complex regional context.
“Australia and India are top-tier security partners, and we’re strengthening our defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean region,” Brigadier Williamson said.
“Coming together allows us to enhance the scope and complexity of our joint military exercises and develop new ways to address our shared security challenges.
“The planned cultural exchange between the 10th Light Horse Regiment and the Indian Army’s Dogra Regiment will be a remarkable opportunity for two historic units to share experiences.”
Brigadier Williamson said while activities such as traditional dancing, military horse riding and the ceremonial food banquet might be new to some of her soldiers, the planned cricket match between the two units will be more familiar.
“Our soldiers were delighted to host their Indian Army counterparts here in Western Australia last year. We’re looking forward to renewing those connections in India this year, especially on the cricket field,” she said.
“Exercise Austrahind aims to promote mutual understanding and tactical level information sharing, all while exposing participants, many of whom are reservists, to the military culture of a top-tier security partner.
“It speaks volumes about Austrahind’s importance that it has grown so quickly. We’re sending almost three times as many soldiers this year compared to 2022.”
Brigadier Williamson will launch the exercise at Austrahind’s opening ceremony, while Commander 2nd (Australian) Division, Major General David Thomae, will officiate the closing ceremony, highlighting the significance of the event.
Australia and India share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership contributing to an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
