The Indian Army and the United States Army have commenced the 22nd edition of their annual joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2026, with around 600 personnel from each country participating. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The main objective is to strengthen military cooperation, improve coordination between the two armies and enhance their ability to conduct joint operations in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. Training includes infantry operations, high-altitude and cold-weather warfare, joint planning, and the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. The exercise also features demonstrations of modern weapon systems and training in counter-drone operations. It provides both armies with an opportunity to exchange operational knowledge, tactics and best practices, while improving their readiness to respond to diverse security challenges.