India and the United States have begun the 22nd edition of their joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, with troops training across two very different terrains — the high-altitude mountains of Auli in Uttarakhand and the desert environment of Rajasthan.
Around 600 soldiers from each country are taking part in the exercise. The focus this year goes beyond conventional infantry drills, with both sides working on how modern technology can be integrated into battlefield operations.
At Auli, Indian and US troops are carrying out exercises designed to improve their ability to operate together in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. The training includes tactical planning, infantry operations and simulated combat scenarios where quick coordination between units is critical.
One of the key elements is the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. During a counter-terrorism drill, troops practised clearing buildings and entering rooms in a close-quarter battle scenario. Assault teams were supported by drones, trained dogs, robotic systems and snipers, creating a more realistic battlefield environment.
The exercise is also focusing on counter-drone capabilities, reflecting how unmanned systems are increasingly changing modern warfare.
The second location, the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, provides a completely different operational setting. Troops will conduct live-fire activities and demonstrate contemporary weapon systems while also working on joint tactics and procedures.
The exercise involves elements of the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division, including soldiers trained for Arctic and difficult-terrain operations. For the Indian Army, the exercise provides an opportunity to train alongside troops with experience in operating in extreme environments and using advanced battlefield technologies.
For both countries, the larger objective is interoperability — making sure their forces can communicate, plan and operate together during complex missions.
Yudh Abhyas has therefore evolved into more than a routine military exercise. It is increasingly about preparing soldiers for a battlefield where mountains, drones, autonomous systems, precision weapons and real-time information can all shape the outcome of an operation.
