India, US launch joint mountain warfare exercises in Uttarakhand

India and the United States have initiated their biennial joint military exercise in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, focusing on coordinated operations in challenging high-altitude environments. The exercise, designated Yudh Abhyas 2026, brings together approximately 600 personnel from each nation's armed forces to conduct integrated training and tactical operations.

The drill is being conducted across the Auli and Mahajan areas, known for their rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. These locations provide an ideal setting for troops to hone their mountaineering skills, cold-weather survival techniques, and joint operational procedures in demanding alpine conditions.

The exercise underscores the deepening military cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, with a particular emphasis on enhancing interoperability between Indian and American forces. Through shared training and realistic combat scenarios, both nations aim to strengthen their capacity to operate effectively in mountainous theaters and improve tactical coordination.

Yudh Abhyas, which translates to 'war games' in Sanskrit, has been a regular fixture in the India-US defense engagement calendar, serving as a platform for exchanging best practices and building stronger military-to-military ties between the two democracies.