India and Kazakhstan have successfully concluded the ninth edition of their joint military exercise, KAZIND-2026, following a 72-hour validation exercise designed to assess the operational preparedness and coordination of both armed forces. The exercise was conducted in Oskemen, Kazakhstan, from September 28 to October 11, 2026.
The final validation phase brought together troops from the Indian Army and the Kazakhstan Armed Forces to demonstrate their ability to conduct coordinated counter-terrorism operations in a simulated operational environment. The exercise focused on strengthening interoperability and improving the forces’ capacity to operate jointly in challenging security situations.
The closing phase was witnessed by India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Y.K. Sailas Thangal, and Major General Zhenis Maralov, Chief of Regional Command East of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan. During the closing ceremony, the participating contingents were commended for their professionalism, commitment and performance throughout the training programme.
The Indian contingent comprised 60 personnel, drawn primarily from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, along with members of other arms and services and personnel from the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan deployed a contingent of comparable strength, consisting mainly of personnel from its Land Forces.
KAZIND-2026 placed particular emphasis on joint counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Training activities included coordinated operational planning, tactical manoeuvres, air mobility and the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), alongside counter-unmanned aerial systems (Counter-UAS) capabilities.
The exercise also aimed to improve coordination between the participating units through joint command arrangements and intelligence and surveillance activities. These elements were intended to help both forces develop a shared operational understanding and respond more effectively to evolving threats.
The 72-hour validation exercise served as the culminating stage of the training, allowing both contingents to apply the tactics and procedures practised during the preceding sessions. It also provided an opportunity to evaluate their ability to coordinate actions and execute missions under a simulated counter-terrorism scenario.
The successful conclusion of KAZIND-2026 highlights the continuing defence cooperation between India and Kazakhstan. Regular joint exercises help both countries exchange operational experience, build mutual trust and improve their ability to work together on shared security challenges.
Through initiatives such as KAZIND, India and Kazakhstan continue to strengthen military-to-military engagement and reinforce their commitment to regional stability and international security cooperation.