U.S. Army and Indian Army soldiers train together on counterterrorism during Yudh Abhyas 2026

AULI, India — U.S. and Indian Army troops staged a counterterrorism building-clearing demonstration on Sept. 16 as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, setting the stage for the exercise’s upcoming Field Training Exercise phase.

The drill incorporated Indian Army snipers, military working dogs and a robotic dog, enabling U.S. Soldiers to examine the tools and teams used in the mission and engage directly with their counterparts.

Yudh Abhyas 2026 is a bilateral training event aimed at strengthening small-unit proficiency and interoperability. The Field Training Exercise is slated to cover counter-IED and counter-UAS tasks, sniper operations, and instruction in mountain warfare and cold-weather skills at Auli’s high elevation.

Hands-on events such as the building-clearance scenario are designed to let both armies exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in real time and deepen cooperation throughout YA26. As the exercise advances into the Field Training Exercise, U.S. and Indian infantry elements are set to work within a shared battalion framework, making early, fundamentals-focused training important for establishing trust and common practices before combined operations begin.

This year marks the 22nd iteration of the U.S. Army Pacific–sponsored series, which is scheduled to conclude Sept. 28 with a formal closing ceremony.