The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 is under way at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, with 92 personnel from the 2 armies taking part.

The 14-day exercise began on 05 October 2026 and is scheduled to continue until 18 October 2026. The Indian Army and UAE Army have equal representation in the joint training programme.

The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion. The UAE Army is represented by troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.

The Indian Army said troops from both countries have trained together during the exercise’s initial phase. The activities have combined physical conditioning, close-combat skills, weapons practice and mountain techniques.

Training activities at Chaubatia

The programme has included physical training, Jiu-Jitsu, reflex shooting and rock climbing. Personnel have also taken part in rappelling, fox-line training and slithering exercises.

The troops have conducted firing drills during both daylight and night conditions. Specialised mountain craft training has formed another part of the initial phase.

These activities are being carried out in the training environment at Chaubatia, where the exercise is focused on physically demanding and operationally oriented tasks. The 2 contingents are participating in the activities together.

The exercise provides a structured setting for Indian and UAE Army personnel to train alongside each other. Its current phase is centred on practical activities requiring physical effort, weapons handling and movement across mountain terrain.

Exercise schedule and participation

Mountain Guardian 2026 is taking place over 14 days, from 05 to 18 October 2026. The exercise involves 92 personnel, with the Indian Army and UAE Army contributing equal numbers.

The Indian and UAE contingents are identified by their respective unit types. India’s participants come from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent comes from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.

The Indian Army’s account described the exercise as being in full swing and outlined the activities completed during its initial phase. No further phase or closing activity was specified in the available information.

For readers in Uttarakhand, the exercise is taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia. The location is the confirmed venue for the India-UAE military training programme.

Conclusion

Mountain Guardian 2026 has brought 92 equally represented Indian and UAE Army personnel to Chaubatia for a 14-day programme involving physical, firing, combat and specialised mountain training. The exercise is scheduled to conclude on 18 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Mountain Guardian 2026?

Mountain Guardian 2026 is a joint military exercise involving the Indian Army and UAE Army.

Q. Where is the exercise taking place?

It is being conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.

Q. How many personnel are participating?

The exercise brings together 92 personnel, with equal representation from the Indian Army and UAE Army.

Q. When is the exercise being held?

The 14-day exercise is being conducted from 05 to 18 October 2026.

Q. Which units represent the 2 armies?

The Indian Army is represented by troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comes from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.

Q. What activities are included in the training?

The activities include physical training, Jiu-Jitsu, reflex shooting, rock climbing, rappelling, fox-line training, slithering, day and night firing and specialised mountain craft training.