India and Kazakhstan are holding the ninth edition of their joint military exercise, KAZIND-2026, in Oskemen, Kazakhstan.

The exercise began on September 28 and will run until October 11. Sixty personnel from each side are taking part.

The Indian contingent is drawn mainly from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles. It also includes personnel from other arms and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan is fielding troops from its Land Forces.

The exercise focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment under a UN mandate. Training takes place in semi-urban and mountainous terrain.

Troops are practising raids, search-and-destroy missions and cordon-and-search operations. They are also training in air mobility and the use of drones and counter-drone systems.

A Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre support coordinated planning. The exercise will end with a validation drill against a simulated terrorist threat.

The drill is part of the growing defence engagement between India and Kazakhstan.