New Delhi: The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, with a focus on enhancing interoperability and operational cooperation in mountain warfare.
The exercise, being conducted from October 5 to 18, brings together 92 personnel, with equal representation from the Indian and UAE armies. The Indian contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent includes personnel from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.
Women officers and combatants from both armies are also participating in specialist roles.
The exercise will feature joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance-grid establishment and drone operations. Troops will also undergo physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises.
The training programme will include technology-enabled operations and facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures suited to challenging mountainous terrain.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will provide both armies an opportunity to exchange professional experience and best practices while enhancing tactical proficiency.
Mountain Guardian 2026 is expected to further strengthen military-to-military cooperation between India and the UAE and reinforce the existing bonds of friendship and trust between the two countries.