KAZIND-2026: India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise Begins in Kazakhstan

The Indian Armed Forces have sent a team of 60 members to Oskemen, Kazakhstan, for participation in the India–Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND, scheduled from September 28 to October 11, 2026. It is the ninth edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise that aims at improving the interoperability and joint counter-terrorism abilities. The Indian team comprises mostly members of one battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, as well as members of other arms and services of the army and Indian Air Force.

Emphasis on Joint Counter-Terrorism Operations

The main aim of KAZIND-2026 is to enhance the capacity of both forces to undertake joint counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional setting, under a UN mandate.

The exercises will concentrate especially on semi-urban and mountainous areas. Such terrains call for joint planning, movements, collection of intelligence and fast reaction by various branches of the military force.

The exercises will involve training in,

• Joint counter-terrorism responses to terrorist attacks
• Raiding and Search and Destroy missions
• Cordon and Search missions
• Helipad and Landing sites security
• Special Heliborne Operations
• Air Mobility
• UAV Operations
• Anti-UAV operations

Joint Command Post and Intelligence Centre

In KAZIND-2026 there will be the establishment of a Joint Command Post and an Intelligence Surveillance Centre. This will facilitate joint planning, sharing and implementation of joint operations.

The exercise will end with the conducting of a full validation exercise. The two contingents will jointly use the tactics, techniques, and procedures that have been learned through the exercise on a simulated terrorist threat.

This will give the forces a chance to see how they can coordinate in a situation that resembles the real scenario.

Boosting India-Kazakhstan Military Cooperation

This exercise is an opportunity for India and Kazakhstan to share their operational experience and get acquainted with each other’s military personnel.

The exercise is also a part of the overall military cooperation between the two countries. KAZIND-2024 took place from September 30th to October 13, 2024, and according to the India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the exercise is part of the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries.

There is also a more comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Kazakhstan which includes various sectors including defence and security, energy, connectivity, critical minerals, and advanced technologies.

KAZIND Exercise: Background

The military exercise involving India and Kazakhstan was originally known as Prabal Dostyk. India-Kazakhstan’s first joint counter-terrorism exercise took place in September 2016.

This exercise later developed into KAZIND, which has been serving as a platform for joint military exercises for the two nations.

The exercise is pertinent to counter-terrorism cooperation since both nations have a stake in building capabilities to counter asymmetrical security challenges.