The opening ceremony of the 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual India–US joint military drill, was held in Uttarakhand on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
This year’s exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli (Uttarakhand) and the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan). According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the focus is on enhancing the ability of both armies to employ Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with particular emphasis on infantry-centric operations.
The MoD noted that the exercise will:
- Strengthen interoperability between the two forces.
- Facilitate the exchange of best operational practices.
- Improve joint planning and execution capabilities.
Training modules include the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, alongside demonstrations of contemporary weapon systems at Mahajan. Subject Matter Experts from both sides will also deliberate on emerging technologies and the evolving nature of multi-domain warfare.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas provides a vital platform for the Indian and US Armies to share tactics, techniques, and procedures, thereby enhancing their ability to conduct coordinated operations across diverse terrain and operational environments.
