India and Kazakhstan have begun the ninth edition of the KAZIND joint military exercise in Oskemen, Kazakhstan. The drills run from September 28 to October 11.

India has sent a 60-member contingent for the exercise, with a matching Kazakh contingent taking part, according to reports. The two sides will train together on counter-terror and peacekeeping operations.

KAZIND is an annual exercise that has been held since 2016. It aims to build interoperability between the two armies and share best practices in mountain and urban warfare.

This year’s edition includes joint planning, tactical drills and field exercises. Troops will also practice humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The exercise reflects the growing defence partnership between India and Kazakhstan. Both countries are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and share concerns over regional security. Officials said the drills will cover counter-terror operations, peacekeeping tasks and disaster relief. Both sides will also exchange notes on logistics and field medical support during the drills, officials said.