India-UAE Forces Begin Joint Exercise In Uttarakhand To Sharpen Mountain Warfare Skills

A joint military exercise involving the Indian Army and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army began on Monday at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand, with troops from both countries training together in mountain warfare and specialised combat operations. The exercise, named ‘Mountain Guardian’, is being conducted from October 5 to October 18 and is aimed at strengthening military cooperation, improving operational coordination and developing a greater understanding between the participating forces. The exercise comes as both countries continue to expand defence cooperation through regular military engagements and training exchanges.

A total of 92 military personnel are participating in the exercise, with the Indian and UAE armies contributing an equal number of troops. The Indian contingent comprises personnel from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent has troops drawn from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. The choice of units reflects the exercise’s emphasis on operating in mountainous terrain, where troops face distinct challenges involving movement, surveillance, communication, logistics and tactical coordination. Training together in such an environment is intended to help both sides understand each other’s procedures and improve their ability to conduct coordinated operations.

The exercise is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, an environment suited to specialised training in difficult terrain. According to the Defence Ministry, the central objectives of ‘Exercise Mountain Guardian’ are to enhance inter-operability, mutual understanding and cooperation between the two armies. Mountain warfare requires troops to adapt to challenging terrain, changing weather conditions and demanding physical requirements. Joint training provides participating personnel an opportunity to exchange operational practices and gain experience in coordinating activities with a foreign military under realistic field conditions.

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The two-week exercise includes a wide range of activities designed to test the troops’ tactical skills, physical endurance and ability to operate as integrated teams. The participating personnel will undertake joint planning and tactical drills, allowing them to practise coordination during different operational scenarios. Firing practices and surveillance activities will also form part of the training programme. The exercise includes drone operations as well, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in battlefield surveillance, reconnaissance and tactical planning. Such activities are intended to familiarise troops with complementary operational procedures and improve battlefield awareness.

The training programme also includes physical endurance exercises, rock climbing and obstacle training, all of which are particularly relevant to operations in mountainous areas. Troops operating in high-altitude or rugged terrain need to maintain mobility and endurance while navigating difficult routes and obstacles. Rock climbing and obstacle exercises can help personnel develop the physical and technical skills required to move through challenging terrain. These activities will culminate in integrated field exercises, giving troops from both countries an opportunity to apply the skills developed during individual training modules in coordinated tactical situations.

The participation of women officers and combatants from both armies is another feature of the exercise, with personnel taking part across specialist roles. The Defence Ministry said their participation reflects the broader involvement of women in military operations and specialised assignments. ‘Exercise Mountain Guardian’ provides India and the UAE with another platform to deepen military-to-military engagement through practical training and professional interaction. By bringing together equal contingents from specialised units, the exercise is expected to strengthen mutual understanding and operational compatibility while giving both armies an opportunity to exchange knowledge on mountain operations. The exercise will continue at Chaubatia until October 18, with joint drills and field activities forming the core of the training programme.

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