India, UAE begin joint miliary exercise ‘Mountain Guardian 2026’ in Uttarakhand
Credit PIB
Armies of India and the UAE have commenced joint military exercise 'MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026' at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
The exercise, being conducted from 05 to 18 October 2026, aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation, with a focus on mountain warfare.
A total of 92 personnel, with equal representation from both Armies, are participating in the exercise.
The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from the Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comprises troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both Armies are also participating in the exercise across specialist roles, the Defence Ministry said.
During the exercise, troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, establishment of surveillance grids, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises, the Ministry said.
The training will also incorporate technology-enabled operations and exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
The exercise will further strengthen interoperability between the two Armies in sub-conventional operations and reinforce the growing India-UAE defence partnership, the Indian Army said in a post on X.
