India and UAE Begin Joint Military Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand

Key facts

• The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise 'Mountain Guardian 2026' commenced on 05 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, and will run until 18 October 2026.
• A total of 92 personnel with equal representation from both armies are participating, with a focus on Mountain Warfare.
• The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comprises troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.
• Women officers and combatants from both armies are participating in specialist roles.
• The exercise includes joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance grids, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen military-to-military cooperation between India and the UAE.