India and the United States have launched their 22nd joint military exercise, with troops from both countries training in mountain and semi-mountainous environments as part of efforts to improve their ability to conduct combined operations.
The opening ceremony of Yudh Abhyas 2026 was held on September 15 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand, northern India, according to India’s Press Information Bureau, Caliber.Az reports.
The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. About 600 personnel from each country are taking part.
The opening ceremony was addressed by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of India’s 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander of the US Army’s 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.
The exercise is focused on strengthening the two armies’ ability to operate together, particularly through Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. Training will place particular emphasis on infantry-led operations.
The participating forces will exchange tactics, techniques and procedures and work on joint planning and the execution of military operations across different types of terrain and operational environments.
Technology will also be a major focus of the exercise. Soldiers will train with drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, while contemporary weapons systems will be demonstrated at the Mahajan firing range.
Military specialists from India and the US will also discuss emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare, which involves coordinating military operations across different operational domains.
By Sabina Mammadli
