India and UAE launch ‘Mountain Guardian’ joint war‑games in Uttarakhand

NEW DELHI — India and the United Arab Emirates started the ‘Mountain Guardian’ joint military exercise on Oct. 6 in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region. The drill involves 92 troops from the Indian Army’s 4 Mountain Division and an equal number of UAE forces, focusing on high‑altitude combat, joint logistics and disaster‑relief operations.

Exercise scope and participating units

The Indian contingent includes infantry battalions, engineering companies and a medical team trained for cold‑weather conditions. The UAE side fields a mountain‑training unit drawn from its armed forces’ special operations wing. Both sides operate under a bilateral defence cooperation framework signed in 2022, which calls for regular joint training and knowledge exchange.

According to the exercise brief, the first phase runs for ten days and covers reconnaissance, live‑fire drills, casualty evacuation and joint command‑and‑control simulations. The terrain spans elevations of 2,500 to 3,800 metres, testing soldiers’ endurance and equipment performance in thin air.

Strategic context

The drill follows a series of Indo‑UAE engagements, including naval exercises in the Arabian Sea and joint counter‑terrorism workshops. Defence officials say the mountain training complements existing maritime cooperation by expanding interoperability across different operational environments.

India’s Ministry of Defence has highlighted the need for high‑altitude readiness amid heightened security concerns along the northern borders. The United Arab Emirates, a growing defence partner, seeks to develop capabilities that can be deployed in its own mountainous regions, such as the Hajar range.

Logistics and support

Both armies have deployed forward logistics bases in Dehradun and Nainital to supply food, fuel and medical aid. The Indian Army’s High Altitude Warfare School provides technical assistance on acclimatization and equipment maintenance. The UAE contingent brings its own cold‑weather gear and portable communication systems, which are being tested for compatibility with Indian platforms.

Local authorities in Uttarakhand have coordinated with the armed forces to ensure minimal disruption to civilian traffic and tourism. The state government has issued temporary road closures on selected mountain passes and arranged medical facilities for any injuries during the drills.

Future cooperation

Officials from both countries indicated that the exercise could become an annual event, rotating among different mountain ranges in the region. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that the drill reinforces the broader strategic partnership that includes trade, energy and technology cooperation.