India-UAE Army Exercise Mountain Guardian Begins in Uttarakhand: What’s on the Agenda

The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, with 92 personnel from the two armies participating in the exercise focused on mountain warfare.

The exercise, being conducted from October 5 to 18, has equal representation from India and the United Arab Emirates. The Indian Army 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 during the exercise, the Defence Ministry said.

The participating troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance and drone operations as part of the training programme. Other activities include physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises.

The exercise will also feature technology-enabled operations and an exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to military operations in challenging mountainous terrain.

Mountain Guardian is among the military engagements between India and the UAE that involve training and operational exchanges between their armed forces. The two countries have also conducted Desert Cyclone, an Army exercise, while their navies have participated in Gulf Waves. The Indian Air Force has taken part in the UAE-hosted Desert Flag exercise.

The current exercise will continue at Chaubatia until October 18, with troops from both sides participating in field-based training and exchanges focused on operations in mountainous terrain.