India and Australia hold joint wargames as China becomes more assertive in the Indo-Pacific

India and Australia have begun their joint army exercise AUSTRAHIND in Thiruvananthapuram from October 19 to November 1. About 120 personnel from both nations are participating with a focus on improving maritime security and interoperability. Troops will engage in joint planning, tactical drills, and combat training under a United Nations mandate. There is an emphasis on stronger cooperation between the two countries' defense industries and military forces.