The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Exercise KAZIND is in full swing at the Surya Foreign Training Node, Auli, Uttarakhand, as both countries gear up for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Meeting in Islamabad. With the theme of Joint Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, this exercise emphasizes collaboration and counter-terrorism preparedness.

The exercise, which commenced on September 30, 2024, includes a 120-member Indian contingent, primarily from the Kumaon Regiment, alongside Indian Air Force personnel and support units. Together, the troops aim to sharpen their operational coordination, focusing on tactics crucial for modern warfare.

So far, participants have engaged in a series of physically and mentally challenging activities, including Yoga sessions, Army Martial Arts Routines, Rock Craft Training, and Special Heliborne Operations. Yoga not only served as a physical training exercise but also as a way to build mental resilience and camaraderie between the two forces. The Army Martial Arts Routine highlighted Indian troops’ expertise in hand-to-hand combat, while Rock Craft Training equipped soldiers with the skills necessary for operating in rugged, mountainous terrains—an essential capability for counter-terrorist missions. Special Heliborne Operations provided critical training in rapid deployment techniques, where troops were inserted into potentially hostile environments via helicopters for swift operations.

Additionally, a weapon and equipment demonstration were held, with a focus on weapon handling and tactical firing positions. The exercises are designed to build operational synergy, ensuring the forces are prepared for close-quarter engagements and other high-stakes combat scenarios.

As the SCO Meeting in Islamabad approaches, both India and Kazakhstan are keen to showcase their commitment to regional stability and security. This joint exercise underscores their readiness to cooperate in addressing shared security challenges in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.