New Delhi: India and the United Arab Emirates have begun a joint military exercise in Uttarakhand aimed at strengthening battlefield coordination and cooperation between the two armies, with a major focus on mountain warfare.
The exercise, named Mountain Guardian 2026, commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia and will continue from October 5 to 18. A total of 92 personnel are taking part, with the Indian and UAE armies contributing an equal number of troops.
The Indian contingent comprises personnel from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent includes troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combat personnel from both sides are also participating in specialist roles during the exercise.
The training programme has been designed to improve interoperability and allow soldiers from both countries to exchange operational experience and tactical knowledge suited to challenging mountainous terrain.
Troops will participate in joint planning exercises, tactical drills, live firing practices, surveillance operations and drone based missions. The exercise will also include physical endurance activities, rock climbing and obstacle training designed to test combat readiness in difficult terrain.
An integrated field exercise will bring together the various capabilities developed during the training. Technology enabled operations will also form part of the programme, along with exchanges on tactics, techniques and procedures used during mountain operations.
The exercise provides both armies with an opportunity to study each other’s operational methods and adopt effective practices. It is also expected to strengthen tactical proficiency and improve coordination during joint operations.
Mountain Guardian 2026 is aimed at deepening defence cooperation between India and the UAE while strengthening professional ties and mutual trust between the two armed forces.
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