India and the United Arab Emirates began their third joint military exercise, Mountain Guardian 2026, on October 5 in Uttarakhand.

The two-week exercise runs from October 5 to 18 at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia. It focuses on mountain warfare and joint operations in high-altitude terrain.

A total of 92 personnel are taking part, with 46 troops from each army. The Indian contingent comes from a Bhairav Battalion. The UAE contingent is drawn from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both armies are serving in specialist roles.

The troops will practise joint planning, combat drills, firing, surveillance grids and drone operations. The training also covers rock climbing, obstacle courses and physical endurance tests.

The exercise aims to improve coordination and trust between the two armies. It is part of the growing defence partnership between India and the UAE.

India and the UAE have been expanding military ties in recent years. The two countries held their 10th Navy Staff Talks in Abu Dhabi last month.