Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026: US envoy Gor visits Mahajan Range as India-US troops train together
Synopsis
US Ambassador Sergio Gor's visit to Mahajan Field Firing Range is more than a diplomatic photo-op — it signals Washington's intent to be seen actively invested in India-US defence integration. With 1,200 troops training on drones, attack helicopters and combined-arms drills, the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas is the most technology-forward yet, placing India-US military interoperability on public display.
Key Takeaways
US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan on 24 September 2026 to observe Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026.
The exercise is the 22nd edition of the India-US joint military drill, described as India's largest bilateral defence exercise with any nation.
Each side has deployed 600 personnel ; the exercise runs simultaneously at Auli, Uttarakhand and Mahajan, Rajasthan .
Training covers small-arms firing, artillery, long-range weapon systems, attack helicopter operations, drones and autonomous systems .
The opening ceremony was held on 15 September 2026 at Auli, co-addressed by Major General Amaresh Gunjan and Colonel Benjamin Jackman .
Technology infusion and multi-domain warfare exchanges are a key focus of this year's edition.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Thursday, 24 September 2026, arrived at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan to witness the ongoing Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 — described by the Indian Army as India's largest bilateral defence exercise with any nation. The visit underscores Washington's deepening military partnership with New Delhi as the two armies conduct coordinated drills spanning mountainous and desert terrain.
What Gor Said on Arrival
Upon landing at the Mahajan range, the US envoy expressed enthusiasm for the joint training effort. 'Just touched down at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan for Yudh Abhyas 2026, India's largest bilateral defence exercise with any nation. Looking forward to seeing US Army and Indian troops train side by side,' Ambassador Gor posted on X.
Key Developments on the Ground
The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise was formally inaugurated on 15 September 2026 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. The opening ceremony was addressed by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, First Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army. Each side has fielded 600 personnel, with the exercise simultaneously being conducted at Auli and Mahajan.
According to a statement from the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information, the exercise has witnessed 'enhanced interoperability between the Indian Army and US Army, achieved through integrated training across mountainous and desert terrain.' Activities have ranged from small-arms firing and artillery engagements to long-range weapon systems and attack helicopter operations.
Technology and Multi-Domain Warfare Focus
The Ministry of Defence highlighted technology infusion as a key thrust area for this edition. Training at Mahajan includes the employment of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, alongside demonstrations of contemporary weapon systems. Subject-matter experts from both armies are also exchanging views on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare — reflecting a broader shift in how both militaries conceive of future battlefield operations.
Why This Exercise Matters
Exercise Yudh Abhyas is aimed at increasing the joint military capability of both armies for the deployment of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with a focus on infantry-dominated operations. The exercise facilitates exchanges of best operational practices and strengthens joint planning and execution. This comes amid sustained India-US defence collaboration across the Indo-Pacific, with bilateral military exercises increasingly serving as a visible signal of strategic alignment. The exercise will strengthen interoperability and the ability of both forces to undertake coordinated operations across varied terrain and operational environments.
Point of View
Autonomous systems and multi-domain warfare exchanges are steadily reshaping what Yudh Abhyas actually trains for. Over 22 editions, the exercise has evolved from symbolic interoperability to genuine combined-arms rehearsal. Whether the institutional knowledge built here translates into real-time coordination in a crisis scenario remains the harder, less-asked question.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026?
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd edition of the India-US bilateral joint military exercise, described by the Indian Army as India's largest bilateral defence exercise with any nation. It involves 600 troops from each side training across mountainous and desert terrain in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
Where is Yudh Abhyas 2026 being held?
The exercise is simultaneously being conducted at two locations — the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The opening ceremony was held at Auli on 15 September 2026.
Why did US Ambassador Sergio Gor visit the Mahajan range?
Ambassador Gor visited Mahajan Field Firing Range on 24 September 2026 to observe the ongoing joint drills between Indian and US Army personnel. He posted on X that he was looking forward to seeing US and Indian troops 'train side by side,' signalling the US's political support for the bilateral defence exercise.
What kind of training is being conducted at Yudh Abhyas 2026?
Training includes small-arms firing, artillery engagements, long-range weapon systems, attack helicopter operations, and the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. Subject-matter experts from both armies are also exchanging views on multi-domain warfare and emerging technologies.
What is the goal of Exercise Yudh Abhyas?
The exercise aims to increase the joint military capability of the Indian Army and the US Army for employing Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-dominated operations. It also seeks to strengthen interoperability and facilitate exchanges of best operational practices.
