Daijiworld Media Network - Auli

Auli, Sep 17: Indian and US Army troops on Thursday conducted building-clearance and room-intervention drills during the ongoing Yudh Abhyas 2026 exercise in Auli, Uttarakhand, simulating close-quarter counter-terrorism operations.

The exercise involved assault teams using drones, robotic dogs, trained canines and sniper units. The drills demonstrated the coordinated deployment of specialised personnel and advanced technology in built-up and urban operational environments.

“The training reinforced professional exchanges, tactical understanding and interoperability between the two Armies,” the Indian Army said in a statement.

The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas began on Tuesday at Auli and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, with around 1,200 personnel, comprising 600 soldiers from each country, participating in the exercise.

The annual exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability, joint planning and coordinated execution between the two armies across diverse terrain and operational environments.

This year's exercise also places emphasis on the employment of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), including their operations in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.

The Indian Army has been operationalising its first batch of five IBGs and a Fire Support Group under the 17 Mountain Strike Corps this year. The formations are designed to enhance the Army's ability to conduct integrated operations with greater speed and flexibility.

Yudh Abhyas is part of the ongoing defence cooperation between India and the US and provides troops from both countries an opportunity to train together, exchange operational practices and improve their ability to conduct joint missions.