India-UAE joint military exercise begins in Uttarakhand; focus on mountain warfare
A two-week joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army began on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Uttarakhand, with an emphasis on enhancing interoperability and honing skills required for operations in mountainous terrain. The engagement, titled Exercise Mountain Guardian, is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia.
Overview
The exercise, scheduled from October 5 to 18, is designed to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two forces. According to the Ministry of Defence, the drills will focus on training for high-altitude and complex mountain environments, reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary security challenges and the need for coordinated responses in difficult terrain.
Participants and unit composition
A total of 92 personnel are taking part, with equal representation from both sides. The Indian Army contingent includes troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army is represented by soldiers from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. “Women officers and combatants from both Armies are also participating in the exercise across specialist roles,” the ministry said in a statement, highlighting the inclusive composition of the participating teams.
Training agenda and drills
Over the course of the exercise, troops will undertake a comprehensive set of field activities intended to build coordination, readiness and tactical acumen. The programme includes joint planning sessions, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance missions, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises.
Emphasising the technological dimension of modern warfare, the ministry added: “The training will also incorporate technology-enabled operations and exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to operations in challenging mountainous terrain.”
Objectives and expected outcomes
Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 aims to facilitate the exchange of professional experience and best practices between the two Armies, strengthen tactical proficiency, and harmonise operational procedures for joint missions. The Ministry of Defence said the engagement is expected to further deepen military cooperation between India and the UAE and reinforce the bonds of friendship and trust between the two nations.
Significance
By concentrating on mountain warfare and integrated operations, the exercise underscores the shared intent of both countries to build capabilities suited to rugged and high-altitude environments. The inclusion of diverse specialist roles and technology-enabled training modules points to a holistic approach to preparedness and interoperability, tailored to the demands of contemporary and future operational scenarios.
The exercise continues through October 18 at Chaubatia, with both contingents set to carry out a series of coordinated drills and field missions aimed at validating the skills and procedures developed during the joint training.
