India and Kazakhstan Begin Joint Military Exercise 'KAZIND-2026', Indian Armed Forces Contingent Departs

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'. This military maneuver will be conducted from September 28 to October 11, 2026.

The Indian contingent primarily consists of soldiers from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, personnel from other military forces, and members of the Indian Air Force. The Kazakhstan Armed Forces will also deploy a contingent of approximately the same size, consisting primarily of army personnel.

The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance interoperability and strengthen the joint capability of both armies to conduct joint counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment under a United Nations mandate. The main focus of KAZIND-2026 will be on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous regions. Special emphasis will be placed on joint planning, execution, aerial mobility, and the integrated use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-terrorism capabilities.

During the exercise, contingents from both countries will undergo training in joint responses to terrorist activities, raids, search-and-destroy operations, cordon-and-search operations, the security of helipads and landing sites, and special helicopter-based operations. Additionally, a joint command post and an intelligence and surveillance center will be established for coordinated planning and execution.

The training will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise, where both contingents will jointly implement their strategies, techniques, and procedures against a simulated terrorist threat. This maneuver will deepen military cooperation between India and Kazakhstan, while reinforcing the shared commitment of both nations toward regional peace, stability, and collective security.