US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Rajasthan’s Mahajan Field Firing Range on Thursday as Indian and American soldiers participated in Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, a major bilateral military engagement focused on strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
Gor announced his arrival through a post on X, expressing enthusiasm about observing Indian Army and US Army personnel training together. The ambassador described the exercise as an important platform for both nations to deepen military coordination and build operational familiarity through practical engagement.
The ongoing drills involve coordinated combat exercises, synchronized battle procedures and combined-arms operations designed to improve the ability of troops from both countries to function effectively as a unified force. Training activities include small-arms firing, artillery engagements, long-range weapon systems and attack helicopter operations.
According to the Indian Army, the exercise has enhanced interoperability by exposing troops to integrated training across mountainous and desert environments. The drills are also intended to develop mutual confidence, improve operational coordination and promote the exchange of military expertise applicable to diverse battlefield conditions.
The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas began with an opening ceremony at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand on September 15. The event brought together 600 personnel from each participating nation. Major General Amaresh Gunjan of the Indian Army and Colonel Benjamin Jackman of the US Army addressed the contingents during the ceremony.
This year’s exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Its primary objective is to enhance the joint capabilities of the Indian and US armies for deploying Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, with a particular emphasis on infantry-led operations.
Technology is another central component of the training program. India’s Ministry of Defence stated that participating forces will practice using drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. Contemporary weapon systems will also be demonstrated at the Mahajan range.
Military specialists from both nations are expected to exchange insights on emerging technologies and multi-domain warfare. The exercise further provides opportunities to share tactics, techniques and procedures while improving joint planning and the execution of coordinated operations across challenging terrains and varying operational environments.
