A 60-member contingent of the Indian Armed Forces has departed for Oskemen, Kazakhstan, to participate in the ninth edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2026.
The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from September 28 to October 11, 2026. The Indian contingent comprises primarily personnel from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, along with troops from other arms and services and personnel from the Indian Air Force.
The Kazakhstan Armed Forces will field a contingent of matching strength, primarily comprising personnel from its Land Forces.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen the joint capabilities of the two forces to undertake joint counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment under a United Nations mandate.
Focus on counter-terrorism operations
KAZIND-2026 will focus on joint counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, with emphasis on joint planning and execution.
The exercise will also focus on air mobility and the integrated employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAS capabilities.
During the exercise, the participating contingents will train together on responses to terrorist actions, raids, search-and-destroy missions and cordon-and-search operations.
The training will also include securing helipads and landing sites and conducting Special Heliborne Operations, among other activities.
Joint Command Post, Intelligence and Surveillance Centre
The exercise will involve the establishment of a Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre to facilitate coordinated planning and execution of operations.
The training will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise, during which both contingents will jointly apply the tactics, techniques and procedures rehearsed during the exercise against a simulated terrorist threat.
KAZIND-2026 will provide an opportunity for the participating forces to exchange operational experience and strengthen professional bonds, mutual trust and camaraderie.
