The 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise “Dharma Guardian” between India and Japan commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will run till 9 March 2026, bringing together troops from both nations to enhance defence cooperation and operational interoperability.
Key Objectives of the Exercise:
To enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
To strengthen combined capabilities for joint operations in semi-urban environments.
To refine joint planning, tactical drills, and execution of complex military tasks.
Participating Forces:
A collective 120-member contingent from each country.
The Indian side is represented by troops from the Ladakh Scouts regiment.
The Japan side is represented by personnel from the 32nd Infantry Regiment of the JGSDF.
Major Training Activities Included:
Establishment of a Temporary Operating Base and Mobile Vehicle Check Posts.
Development of an Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) grid.
Conduct of cordon and search operations, heliborne missions, and house intervention drills.
Strategic Importance:
“Dharma Guardian” is held alternately in India and Japan and is a significant pillar of defence cooperation between the two forces.
It contributes to regional security and reinforces the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The exercise underlines the commitment of both nations to joint counter-terrorism and urban combat readiness strategies.
About “Dharma Guardian”:
It is a bilateral army exercise first conducted in 2018 to foster interoperability and mutual understanding between India and Japan’s land forces.
The exercise includes joint operational planning, simulated combat scenarios, and exchange of modern tactical practices.
India–Japan Defence Relations:
India and Japan signed the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation in 2008, laying a foundation for defence cooperation.
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between defence and foreign ministers of both nations strengthens strategic alignment.
Regular military exercises form a continuum of engagements including Dharma Guardian (Army), JIMEX (Naval), and Veer Guardian (Air).
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - Foundation Course / Batch Starts on 15-04-2026 
