US and Indian armies kick off Yudh Abhyas 2026

AULI, India — U.S. and Indian Army forces kicked off Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 on Sept. 15, beginning two weeks of bilateral training aimed at strengthening readiness, interoperability and cooperation.

The exercise brings together roughly 600 U.S. soldiers — including elements of the 11th Airborne Division “Arctic Angels” — and about 600 Indian Army personnel. Training will span a brigade-level command post exercise, a field training exercise, expert academic discussions, mountain warfare and cold-weather operations, and counter-unmanned aircraft system drills at Auli. Live-fire events featuring the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Stinger, and the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M‑LIDS) are scheduled at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.

“Yudh Abhyas 2026 provides our soldiers an opportunity to enhance bilateral readiness, cooperation and interoperability between U.S. and Indian Army forces,” said Col. Ben Jackman, commander of 1st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. “By training alongside the Indian Army, we are strengthening our mutual trust and building combat credibility.”

Leaders at the opening ceremony underscored theater security cooperation and realistic combat readiness, priorities that will guide training across both Auli and Mahajan.

An annual event, Yudh Abhyas is designed to improve the two armies’ ability to operate together across a range of missions. This year’s iteration emphasizes high-altitude and multidomain operations, unmanned aerial system and counter‑UAS employment, and integrating modern capabilities such as HIMARS and M‑LIDS.

“Exercise Yudh Abhyas gives us a platform to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures across the full spectrum of multidomain operations, from precision fires at Mahajan to mountain warfare here in Auli,” said Maj. Gen. Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14th Infantry Division. “It strengthens the bond between our armies and prepares us to prevail together in any environment.”

The training progression moves from expert academic sessions, subject-matter exchanges and a brigade-level command post exercise to situational training lanes, counter‑UAS training and live-fire drills, building common procedures before tackling more complex scenarios.

Jackman said the force will assess its ability to synchronize combined-arms operations and rapidly project land power throughout the event. “Success in this exercise means our headquarters and small units can seamlessly integrate our capabilities to prevail in any environment,” Jackman said. “When we conclude this training, our Soldiers will stand side by side as a more lethal, coordinated and ready force.”

Following the ceremony, participants began expert discussions on space, cyber and multidomain operations. The exercise is scheduled to conclude Sept. 28 with a formal closing ceremony.

Launched in 2004, Yudh Abhyas is a U.S. Army Pacific–sponsored bilateral exercise with the Indian Army that has enhanced combined interoperability and strengthened the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. This year’s event continues that commitment in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.