The India US Military Exercise Near China Border has started with the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas 2026. The India-US joint military drill began on September 15, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until September 28, 2026. Around 1,200 soldiers, 600 from India and 600 from the United States, are taking part. The exercise is being conducted at Auli in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.Key HighlightsYudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd India-US joint military exercise.The exercise will continue from September 15 to September 28.Around 1,200 Indian and US soldiers are participating.For the first time, an Indian Integrated Battle Group is training with a foreign military.Focus on Mountain WarfareThe Auli phase is important because the area provides a mountain and semi-mountainous training environment. The Indian and US armies will work on infantry-focused operations and the use of Integrated Battle Groups, or IBGs.The exercise is taking place near India's northern border region, while the Rajasthan phase provides a different operational environment. The two-location format allows both armies to practice coordination across varied terrain.The Indian Defence Ministry said the exercise aims to improve joint military capability, interoperability and joint planning. “The exercise is aimed at enhancing the joint military capability of both armies,” the Defence Ministry said.First Joint Exercise Involving Indian IBG“A major feature of India US military exercise 2026 is the participation of an Indian Integrated Battle Group with the US Army. An IBG brings different military capabilities together for faster and coordinated operations.” During the India US joint military drill, soldiers will share tactics, training methods and operational practices. This is expected to improve the ability of the two armies to work together during joint missions.Drones and Modern Military TechnologyThe exercise also includes drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. Modern weapon systems will be demonstrated at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.US and Indian military experts are also exchanging views on emerging technologies and multi-domain warfare. These activities are part of wider India US defence cooperation.Why the Exercise Is Being WatchedThe India China border military exercise angle comes mainly from the Auli location in Uttarakhand, a state that shares a border with China. However, the official purpose of Yudh Abhyas is joint training, interoperability and operational preparedness, not a stated exercise directed against any particular country.The timing also comes after the BRICS Summit, where India engages with China, Russia and other major countries. The exercise therefore highlights India's continuing India US strategic partnership while New Delhi maintains relationships through groups such as BRICS.Yudh Abhyas has been held regularly for years, with earlier editions conducted in both India and the United States. The 2026 edition continues this military training partnership while adding greater emphasis on IBGs, drones, autonomous systems and operations across different terrains. Also Read : BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi Confident Of Positive, Meaningful Discussions at Summit
