New Delhi: A 60-member Indian Armed Forces contingent 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 joint exercise is aimed at strengthening military cooperation between India and Kazakhstan and enhancing the interoperability of their armed forces for joint counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment under a United Nations mandate.
Indian Contingent Includes Garhwal Rifles and IAF Personnel
The Indian contingent comprises troops mainly from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force.
The Kazakhstan Armed Forces will field a contingent of matching strength, primarily drawn from its Land Forces.
The participation of personnel from different arms and services is intended to facilitate coordinated training and improve the ability of both forces to operate together during joint missions.
KAZIND-2026 to Focus on Counter-Terrorism Operations
The primary objective of KAZIND-2026 is to enhance interoperability and develop joint capabilities for counter-terrorism operations.
The exercise will focus particularly on operations in:
- Semi-urban terrain
- Mountainous terrain
- Sub-conventional operational environments
Training will emphasise joint planning and execution, air mobility and the integrated use of modern technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS capabilities.
Joint Training to Cover Raids, Search Operations and Heliborne Missions
During the exercise, the participating contingents will train together on a range of operational scenarios involving responses to simulated terrorist activities.
The training activities will include:
- Joint responses to terrorist actions
- Raids
- Search-and-destroy missions
- Cordon-and-search operations
- Securing helipads and landing sites
- Special Heliborne Operations
- Air mobility and coordinated operational planning
These activities are designed to enable the two forces to practise joint tactics, techniques and procedures in challenging terrain.
Joint Command Post and Intelligence Centre to Be Established
KAZIND-2026 will also involve the establishment of a Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre.
These facilities will support coordinated planning, information sharing and execution of joint operations during the exercise.
The training will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise, during which the Indian and Kazakhstan contingents will jointly apply the tactics, techniques and procedures rehearsed during the exercise against a simulated terrorist threat.
KAZIND-2026 to Strengthen India-Kazakhstan Military Cooperation
The exercise will provide both sides with an opportunity to share operational experience and learn from each other’s military practices.
Beyond operational training, KAZIND-2026 is expected to strengthen:
- Professional bonds between the armed forces
- Mutual trust and understanding
- Interoperability during joint operations
- Military-to-military cooperation
- Regional peace, stability and collective security
The exercise further reflects the shared commitment of India and Kazakhstan to enhancing cooperation in the field of defence and security.
