New Delhi: The India-US troops partnership came into focus at Rajasthan’s Mahajan Field Firing Range on Thursday as the United States ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, watched troops from both armies train together during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026. After visiting the exercise, Gor said the drills demonstrated “trust, readiness, interoperability, and shared purpose” between the two forces.
“Impressive to see US and Indian forces training together at Mahajan Field Firing Range,” Gor said in a post on X. Gor had announced his arrival at Mahajan earlier on Thursday, posting that he had “just touched down” for Yudh Abhyas 2026. He described it as India’s largest bilateral defence exercise with any nation and said he was looking forward to seeing both troops train side by side.
The visit comes as the two armies conduct a broad programme of field training designed to bring their soldiers, weapons and battlefield procedures together. The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas is being held at both Mahajan in Rajasthan and Auli in Uttarakhand, with around 600 personnel from each country taking part.
The Rajasthan phase has given troops an opportunity to work with artillery, air-defence and rocket systems while practising the coordination required during live-fire operations. Recent training at Mahajan included the M777 ultra-light Howitzer, Dhanush artillery gun, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, L70 air-defence guns and the US M-LIDS counter-drone system.
Indian and US personnel have also trained together on Observation Post procedures, covering target identification, engagement processes, transmission of fire orders and corrections to artillery fire. AH-64E Apache attack helicopters have been integrated into the drills as troops practise mission planning, ground coordination and the use of attack aviation alongside ground formations.
The exercise is being conducted across two sharply different environments, giving the participating forces exposure to both desert and mountainous operations. The defence ministry said the training is focused on integrated battle groups, infantry operations and the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures, with drones and autonomous systems also being used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
The training has also included a specialized element involving Indian Army military dogs. RNA Media reported Rice, Victor, Zac and Rowdy four Indian Army canines have been taking part in tactical activities with Indian and US personnel, including room-entry and rappelling drills. Their participation has showcased the use of trained military dogs alongside troops during specialized tactical training, adding another operational capability to the exercise.
Beyond individual weapon systems and specialized capabilities, the exercise is intended to make the two armies more familiar with each other’s methods of operating. The Indian Army’s additional directorate general of public information has said the training is strengthening coordination through combined-arms drills, synchronised battle procedures and operations across varied terrain.Yudh Abhyas 2026 will continue until September 28, with the participating forces using the remaining phase to further refine joint procedures and exchange operational experience. The exercise combines field firing, tactical manoeuvres, aviation, unmanned systems and specialized capabilities as India and the US train for coordinated operations in different battlefield environments.