Agencies | Dehradun:
A joint military exercise involving the Indian Army and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army began on Monday at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand, with a focus on strengthening interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation in challenging mountainous terrain.
The exercise, titled ‘Mountain Guardian 2026’, is being conducted from October 5 to 18 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia. A total of 92 personnel, with equal representation from the two armies, are participating in the exercise, the Defence Ministry said.
The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent is drawn from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.
The exercise is designed to provide both armies with an opportunity to undertake joint training and exchange professional experience in mountain warfare.
According to the Defence Ministry, the participating troops will carry out joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance and drone operations. The training programme will also include physical endurance exercises, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises.
Women officers and combatants from both armies are also taking part in the exercise across specialised roles, the ministry said.
The training will incorporate technology-enabled operations and facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to military operations in difficult mountainous terrain.
The exercise is intended to enhance tactical proficiency and familiarise troops with each other’s operational procedures while promoting the exchange of best practices.
The Defence Ministry said Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 would strengthen military cooperation between India and the UAE and provide both sides with an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and operational coordination.
The exercise is also expected to reinforce the longstanding bonds of friendship, trust and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.
