The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia in Uttarakhand on Monday the 5th of October 2026, marking another step in the growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
The two-week exercise will continue till October 18, is aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding between the armies of India and the United Arab Emirates, with a special focus on mountain warfare operations.
A total of 92 military personnel, drawn equally from both armies, are participating in the exercise. The Indian contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE side is represented by a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and soldiers from both nations are also taking part in specialist operational roles.
During the exercise, troops will engage in a wide spectrum of joint training activities, including planning and execution of tactical operations, live firing drills, surveillance grid establishment, drone employment, physical endurance tasks, rock climbing and obstacle training. Integrated field exercises will also be conducted to test operational readiness in challenging mountainous terrain.
According to the Indian Army, the exercise will incorporate technology-enabled military operations and facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to contemporary high-altitude warfare.
Military officials said the training will provide valuable opportunities for both sides to share professional experiences, improve tactical proficiency and learn best practices in operational planning and execution. The exercise is also expected to deepen military-to-military engagement and further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the UAE.
Mountain Guardian 2026 reflects the steadily expanding defence ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi and underscores the commitment of both countries to enhancing cooperation in the security domain.
