India-UAE joint military exercise begins in Uttarakhand focusing on mountain warfare
India and the United Arab Emirates commenced a joint military exercise in Uttarakhand on Monday, October 5, 2026, aimed at enhancing inter-operability, mutual understanding and cooperation with a focus on mountain warfare. The exercise, named 'Exercise Mountain Guardian,' involves 92 personnel with equal representation from both Armies and will run until October 18. The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent has troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both Armies are also participating across specialist roles.
The exercise is being conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, in Uttarakhand. During the 14-day engagement, troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises. The training will incorporate technology-enabled operations and exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
The military engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for both Armies to exchange professional experience, enhance tactical proficiency and exchange best practices in operational procedures. According to the defence ministry, Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 will further strengthen military cooperation between India and the UAE, and reinforce bonds of friendship and trust between the two nations.
