Exercise KAZIND 2026: India-Kazakhstan Military Cooperation

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Key takeaways

The 9th edition of joint military exercise KAZIND 2026 features a 60-member Indian contingent in Kazakhstan.
Bilateral ties were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2009, strengthened by the 2015 Defence Agreement.
Kazakhstan actively supports India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Both nations cooperate via the Chabahar Port to open critical trade links between India and Central Asia.

A 60-member Indian Armed Forces contingent is participating in KAZIND 2026 in Oskemen, Kazakhstan.
This exercise marks the 9th edition of the joint military drill between India and Kazakhstan.
The military drill is taking place from 28th September to 11th October 2026.

The primary goal is to boost interoperability and joint counter-terrorism skills between both armies.
Operations are designed for a sub-conventional environment held strictly under a UN mandate.

Training activities focus specifically on semi-urban and mountainous terrain environments.
Exercises involve testing air mobility maneuvers across different scenarios.
Troops practice unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS tactical operations.
Soldiers carry out precise cordon-and-search procedures in simulated battle zones.
Units execute high-intensity raids and tactical search-and-destroy missions.
Forces practice special heliborne operations for quick insertion and extraction.

Diplomatic ties began in 1992 after India recognized Kazakhstan as an independent nation early on.
Both nations upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2009.
Kazakhstan plays a key role in India's Connect Central Asia policy and the India-Central Asia Dialogue.
Both nations work together closely in global bodies like the SCO, UN, and CICA.
Kazakhstan supports India's bid for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council.
Defense ties rest on the 2015 Agreement on Defence and Military Technical Cooperation, covering military exercises, training, and education.
Both nations collaborate on the Chabahar Port project, opening valuable transport links from India to Central Asia.