India-UAE joint military exercise begins in Uttarakhand; focus on mountain warfare
You donβt have any Active Subscription.
Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription
A joint military exercise involving troops of India and the UAE began on Monday (October 5, 2026) in Uttarakhand, aiming to enhance inter-operability, mutual understanding and cooperation, with a focus on mountain warfare.
A total of 92 personnel, with equal representation from both Armies, are participating in 'Exercise Mountain Guardian'. The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent has troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion, the defence ministry said.
"Women officers and combatants from both Armies are also participating in the exercise across specialist roles," it said in a statement.
The India-UAE joint military exercise commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
The exercise, being conducted from October 5-18, aims to enhance inter-operability, mutual understanding and cooperation, with a focus on mountain warfare, it said.
During the exercise, troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises.
"The training will also incorporate technology-enabled operations and exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to operations in challenging mountainous terrain," it said.
Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 will provide an opportunity for both Armies to exchange professional experience, enhance tactical proficiency and exchange best practices in operational procedures. It will further strengthen military cooperation between India and the UAE, and reinforce bonds of friendship and trust between the two nations, the ministry said.
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
