Why in news?
India and Japan have begun the seventh edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a bilateral military drill in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. This two‑week exercise brings together 120 soldiers from each country to train side by side, enhancing their ability to work together during operations. The drill reflects the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tokyo in the Indo‑Pacific region.
Background
India and Japan share common interests in maintaining peace and stability across Asia. Over the years their defence cooperation has expanded beyond navy drills to include army exercises. Dharma Guardian, first held in 2018, focuses on counter‑insurgency and counter‑terrorism skills in a jungle or semi‑urban environment. Both armies benefit by learning each other’s tactics and improving interoperability.
Main activities in the 2026 edition
- Establishing bases: Soldiers will practise setting up temporary operating bases in challenging terrain, simulating real‑world deployments.
- Cordon and search operations: Teams will rehearse how to isolate an area, search for threats and neutralise them while protecting civilians.
- Counter‑insurgency and house clearing: Training includes techniques to clear buildings and eliminate hostile elements in a built‑up area.
- Tactical drills: Both sides will conduct simulations of complex situations to build mutual understanding and decision‑making skills.
Other India–Japan defence engagements
- Malabar naval exercises along with the United States and Australia focus on maritime security.
- Japan–India maritime bilateral exercise (JIMEX) is an annual naval drill between the two countries.
- US–India–Japan–Australia Quad framework emphasises free and open Indo‑Pacific cooperation.
Significance
- The exercise boosts interoperability, meaning Indian and Japanese troops can work together more smoothly in a crisis.
- It builds trust and shares knowledge on counter‑insurgency operations, which are relevant for both countries.
- Joint exercises send a signal of solidarity in the Indo‑Pacific, where both nations support a rules‑based order.
Conclusion
Exercise Dharma Guardian highlights the growing security partnership between India and Japan. By training together in difficult terrain, soldiers from both countries deepen ties that are important for regional peace and preparedness.
Source: Press Information Bureau