India and Kazakhstan have commenced the ninth edition of their joint military exercise, KAZIND-2026, in Oskemen, Kazakhstan, bringing together troops from both countries for intensive training focused on counter-terrorism operations and battlefield coordination.
The exercise, which began on September 28 and will continue until October 11, features 60 personnel from each side. The Indian contingent includes troops primarily drawn from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan is participating mainly through personnel from its Land Forces.
KAZIND-2026 is intended to strengthen interoperability between the two armed forces and improve their ability to conduct coordinated operations in a sub-conventional environment under a United Nations mandate. The training is being carried out across semi-urban and mountainous terrain, allowing the participating troops to practise operations under varied battlefield conditions.
A key component of the exercise is joint counter-terrorism training. Indian and Kazakh personnel are undertaking simulated missions involving raids, search-and-destroy operations and cordon-and-search activities. Training also covers the protection of helipads and landing zones, along with Special Heliborne Operations and other operational tasks.
The exercise is also incorporating air mobility and the coordinated use of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAS capabilities. These activities are designed to familiarise personnel with the integration of emerging technologies into tactical operations and improve coordination between different elements of a military force.
To support joint planning and information-sharing, the participating forces are establishing a Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre. These arrangements are intended to facilitate coordinated decision-making and execution during the exercise.
The training phase will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise. During this phase, the two contingents will jointly apply the tactics, techniques and procedures developed during the exercise against a simulated terrorist threat.
KAZIND has been conducted annually since 2016, when it was first established as Exercise Prabal Dostyk. The previous edition, KAZIND-2024, was held at Auli in Uttarakhand, while the 2023 edition took place at Otar in Kazakhstan.
The latest edition provides Indian and Kazakh military personnel with an opportunity to exchange operational experience and strengthen coordination during joint missions. The exercise also continues the established defence cooperation and military-to-military engagement between India and Kazakhstan.
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