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India and the United Arab Emirates on Monday began a two-week joint military exercise focused on mountain warfare, bringing troops from both countries together for tactical drills, drone operations and combat training in challenging terrain.
Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 is being conducted from October 5 to 18 at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The exercise involves 92 personnel, with equal representation from the Indian and UAE armies.
The Indian contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent is drawn from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both sides are also participating in specialist roles.
The exercise is designed to build interoperability and familiarise the two armies with each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in mountainous terrain.
The training programme includes joint operational planning, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance grid operations, drone employment, rock climbing, obstacle training and physical endurance exercises, besides integrated field exercises.
The inclusion of drone operations and technology-enabled training is aimed at familiarising troops with the growing role of unmanned systems in surveillance and tactical operations in difficult terrain.
Mountain Guardian also provides an opportunity for the two armies to exchange battlefield experience and operational practices, particularly in areas where terrain, altitude and restricted mobility pose significant challenges to military operations.
The exercise is part of the expanding defence engagement between India and the UAE and is intended to deepen military-to-military cooperation and strengthen interoperability between the two forces.
Team BharatShakti
