The KAZIND-2026 validation exercise, a 72-hour test of everything the two contingents had trained for, brought the ninth edition of the India-Kazakhstan joint military exercise to a close at Oskemen in eastern Kazakhstan. Troops of the Indian Army and the Kazakhstan Armed Forces ran a joint counter-terrorism operation in a simulated operational setting.

The drill tested their readiness, their coordination and their ability to fight as one force.

Ambassador Thangal and Major General Maralov witness final phase

The Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, YK Sailas Thangal, watched the validation exercise along with Major General Zhenis Maralov, Chief of Regional Command East of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan. Thangal, who heads the Embassy of India in Astana, also presided over the closing ceremony.

He congratulated both contingents and commended their professionalism, dedication and commitment to joint training.

KAZIND-2026 validation exercise caps two weeks at Oskemen

The exercise ran from 28 September to 11 October. Its aim was to improve interoperability and build the joint capability of both forces for counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment.

Training was set in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. The two sides practised responses to simulated terrorist actions, raids, search-and-destroy missions and cordon-and-search operations, building up step by step towards the final test. The KAZIND-2026 validation exercise was where it all came together, and every objective set for the joint exercise was achieved.

Joint Command Post and surveillance centre run by both sides

A Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre were set up for the exercise. They handled joint planning, information sharing and coordinated decisions.

Live firing and tactical navigation built the groundwork

Field training covered a joint tactical navigation exercise, weapon handling and small arms live firing, along with tactical drills. Soldiers from both armies swapped best practices and learnt each other's tactics, techniques and procedures.

Off the range, the Indian contingent led an AMAR (Army Martial Arts Routine) session, a joint yoga session and sports with Kazakh troops.

Garhwal Rifles battalion formed core of Indian contingent

The 60-member Indian contingent left for Kazakhstan on 28 September. It was drawn mainly from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, with personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan fielded a contingent of similar strength, largely from its Land Forces.

KAZIND overlapped with Nomadic Elephant, the India-Mongolia exercise at Pithoragarh, which ran until 3 October.

The 2026 edition was held under a United Nations mandate, with emphasis on joint planning and execution, air mobility and the integrated use of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAS capabilities, according to the Ministry of Defence.