From combat team manoeuvres in the harsh surrounds of the Bindoon Training Area to some friendly cricket in view of the pristine Perth coastline, Exercise Austrahind had it all.

The bilateral training exercise between the Australian and Indian armies, held annually since 2022, involved 120 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Gorkha Rifles, spending two weeks in and around Perth with soldiers from 13th Brigade, led by 10th Light Horse Regiment.

The first week was spent at the Bindoon Training Area, north of Perth, where the two armies worked towards a culminating battle group urban assault.

In the second week, they took a trip to Perth Stadium to watch Australia take on India in the first one-day international of the Australian summer, during which the soldiers were introduced on the big screen to the 42,000 spectators.

Commanding Officer Exercise Austrahind Lieutenant Colonel Jason O’Keefe said the balance of hard training and cultural exchange led to a “highly effective exercise”.

“The integration with the Indian Army was super easy,” Lieutenant Colonel O’Keefe said.

“The thing that was key to me was getting into the field first because that is where the friendships are born and the bonds are formed.

“The Gorkhas are famous. They’re fearless soldiers, they are very athletic and their fitness is through the roof. They’re also very disciplined soldiers, so we learnt a lot from them.

“I already know that, even in my first year of command, this will be the highlight of my command time for the next three years.”

'The amalgamation of the cavalry and the infantry during the training at Bindoon was a great experience.'

Indian combat team commander Major Shagun Rana said the exercise was wonderful exposure for his soldiers, many of whom travelled Down Under for the first time.

“The friendship and the cooperation the Aussies and the Indians shared in the two-week exercise was wonderful,” Major Rana said.

“In particular, the amalgamation of the cavalry and the infantry during the training at Bindoon was a great experience, and it is something we will try to replicate back in India.

“We will definitely try to reciprocate next year for the Aussies who have hosted us, and may our friendship continue to grow.”

That friendship made way for sporting rivalry as the two armies played a highly competitive cricket match of their own on the final morning of the exercise, which the Indians won.

Exercise Austrahind will be hosted by India next year.