India and the United Arab Emirates have begun the third edition of their joint military exercise Mountain Guardian in Uttarakhand.

The two-week exercise runs from October 5 to 18 at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia. A total of 92 personnel are taking part, with 46 troops from each side.

The Indian contingent is drawn from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE has sent a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both armies are participating in specialist roles.

The exercise focuses on mountain warfare, with joint planning, tactical drills, firing practice, surveillance-grid operations and drone employment. Troops will also train in rock climbing, obstacle courses and physical endurance.

The programme emphasises sub-conventional operations and technology-enabled tactics for difficult terrain. The exercise is part of the growing defence partnership between the two countries.

Defence ties between India and the UAE have expanded rapidly in recent years, covering naval exercises, staff talks and defence industry cooperation. The two countries describe each other as key strategic partners in the region.