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India and the US have begun the 22nd edition of their annual Army exercise Yudh Abhyas, with the latest iteration placing a sharper emphasis on technology, drones, autonomous systems and multi-domain warfare.
For the first time, the exercise is being conducted simultaneously at two locations – the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. About 600 personnel from each side are participating in the military drill.
The opening ceremony was held at Auli, where Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army, addressed the participating contingents.
The exercise is designed to enhance the two armies’ ability to operate Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-dominated operations. It will also focus on interoperability, joint planning and execution, and the exchange of operational practices.
Technology infusion is a key feature of this year’s exercise. At Mahajan, the two armies will train with drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, besides demonstrating contemporary weapon systems. Subject matter experts from both sides will exchange views on emerging technologies and the operational implications of multi-domain warfare.
The focus reflects the growing role of unmanned and autonomous systems in contemporary battlefield operations, where surveillance, precision engagement and rapid information flows are increasingly integrated across domains.
Yudh Abhyas began in 2004 with a focus on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations and command-post exercises. Over the years, it has expanded into larger field-training and brigade-level exercises, incorporating increasingly complex operational scenarios.
The 21st edition was conducted in Alaska, while this year’s two-location format brings together training in markedly different environments – the high-altitude and mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand and the desert environment of Rajasthan.
The exercise is part of an extensive India-US military engagement that spans all three services. The two navies participate in the Malabar multilateral exercise with Japan and Australia, while Vajra Prahar focuses on special forces operations. Tiger Triumph brings the two countries’ Army, Navy and Air Force contingents together for amphibious operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The Indian Air Force and US Air Force also participate in Cope India. An American contingent is expected to participate in the forthcoming Tarang Shakti multinational air exercise in Jodhpur.
The sustained military engagement has continued despite political and trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington in 2025, with bilateral defence exercises providing a continuing channel for operational interaction and interoperability.
Team BharatShakti
