India-Kazakhstan exercise KAZIND-2026 concludes with 72-hour validation drill

Oskemen [Kazakhstan]: The ninth edition of the India–Kazakhstan joint military exercise KAZIND-2026 concludes at Oskemen, Kazakhstan, on October 11 following a 72-hour validation drill that tests the operational readiness, tactical coordination and joint counter-terrorism capabilities of both forces. The exercise, conducted from September 28 to October 11, strengthens military interoperability and the defence partnership between New Delhi and Astana.

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The training focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. Troops practise simulated raids, search-and-destroy missions, cordon-and-search operations and responses to terrorist threats, building their ability to coordinate in challenging operational environments.

The exercise also incorporates tactical navigation, weapon handling, small-arms live firing and the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS capabilities. A Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre support coordinated planning, information-sharing and decision-making between the participating contingents.

The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, alongside personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan fields a contingent of comparable strength, primarily drawn from its Land Forces.

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India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, YK Sailas Thangal, witnesses the validation exercise and presides over the closing ceremony alongside senior Kazakh military leadership. The engagement reinforces professional ties and mutual understanding between the two armed forces.

KAZIND-2026 underlines India’s continued military engagement with Central Asian partners through joint training and operational exchanges. For both countries, the exercise provides an opportunity to exchange tactics and procedures and strengthen preparedness for counter-terrorism missions.

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