High altitude, tough terrain, new technology, and American and Indian soldiers training side by side — that is Yudh Abhyas 2026.

This month, roughly 500 American soldiers and 600 Indian soldiers are training together across India in the 22nd edition of our premier annual bilateral army exercise. They are operating in demanding environments, working with new technology, practicing counterterrorism missions, and preparing for the kinds of challenges modern militaries increasingly face. When you look at what our soldiers are doing together this year, you see how far the US-India defence relationship has come and where it is heading next.

US President Donald Trump is results-driven. He wants America’s partnerships around the world to deliver for the American people, make the US stronger, and help capable partners strengthen their own security. Yudh Abhyas is a good example of what that looks like in practice. India is training directly with the best of the American military, from advanced technology to battlefield experience and specialised capabilities. At the same time, our soldiers are learning from India’s tremendous experience operating in some of the world’s toughest terrain.

Both sides bring important strengths to the exercise, and training together helps each military better understand how the other operates.........

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