14 hours Ago By Sandip Dighe
Pune: It is imperative to work together to tackle similar security challenges, such as growing extremism , cyber threats , and piracy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) that both nations face, said Major General KTG Krishnan, General Officer Commanding, Shahbaaz Division (36 Rapid Strike) of the Southern Command on Thursday. He was speaking during the concluding ceremony of the third edition of the India-Australia joint exercise ‘Austrahind' at Aundh Military Station. "In today's complex and unpredictable world, India and Australia stand as two influential democracies with the responsibility of promoting democratic values and contributing to a unified, just world order.
As nations face similar challenges in the IOR, such as growing extremism, piracy, and cyber threats, it is imperative to work together. By fostering mutual trust, adhering to international laws, and striving for equality, we can shape a stable and multipolar order," added the General Officer. His counterpart, Major General David John Thomae, the Commander of the Australian 2nd Division, said, "Our troops learnt the best tactical drills of the Indian Army during the exercise.
There are few similarities in both the troops, such as professionalism, a high level of soldiering skills, and the ability to operate together." Troops of both nations shared best practices and explored each other's tactics and technologies, especially in the field of UAV systems, engineering, special operations, canine training, and combat medical practices during the exercise. They were also exposed to each other's culture, including a variety of cuisines and culinary journeys.
In an outdoor exercise, Indian and Australian troops undertook joint simulated operations against rebel forces in a semi-urban environment. Key activities included creation of a temporary operating base, establishment of an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance grid, heliborne operations, a raid, the isolation of a hostile village, and a hostage rescue operation. Palpable Cricketing Fervour As the much-hyped Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series was all set to kick off on Friday morning in Perth, Australia, the cricketing fervour was very much palpable among soldiers of India and Australia on the concluding day of the third edition of the ‘Austrahind' joint exercise on Thursday.
Major General KTG Krishnan of the Southern Command, gifted a cricket bat to his counterpart, Major General David John Thomae, the Commander of the Australian 2nd Division. "Both nations are quite excited about the series. I would watch it at home live in the stadium.
May the best team win," said Thomae..
