The 7th edition of the annual India-Japan joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commenced on Tuesday at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will be held from February 24 to March 9.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the drill brings together 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The Japanese contingent is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian side is represented by the Ladakh Scouts.
Held alternately in India and Japan, Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ has emerged as a key pillar of defence cooperation between the two countries, reflecting their growing strategic partnership and shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
The primary objective of the exercise is to strengthen military collaboration and enhance the combined capabilities of both forces to undertake joint operations in a semi-urban environment. Over the two-week period, troops will focus on achieving high standards of physical fitness, refining joint planning procedures and synchronising tactical drills.
The exercise is anchored in the use of modern technology, with emphasis on improving interoperability and aligning contemporary operational practices. Participating forces will engage in a range of tactical activities, including the establishment of a Temporary Operating Base, development of an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid, setting up mobile vehicle check posts, and conducting cordon and search operations in a hostile environment.
Other key components of the exercise include heliborne operations and house intervention drills, aimed at enhancing joint operational readiness and coordination between the two forces.
