• Armies of India and Japan have kickstarted the sixth edition of ‘Dharma Guardian’ exercise at a Japanese military base in the foothills of Mount Fuji.

• Exercise Dharma Guardian is an annual exercise started in 2018 and conducted alternatively in India and Japan. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in Rajasthan.

• The Indian contingent comprising 120 personnel is represented mainly by troops from a battalion of the Madras Regiment along with troops from other arms and services.

• The Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) contingent, also comprising similar strength, is represented by 34th Infantry Regiment.

• Building on the momentum of Chief of the Army Staff’s successful visit to Japan in October 2024, Exercise Dharma Guardian will further strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation between India and Japan.

• The mega two-week wargame includes an expanded range of activities that will reflect the growing defence cooperation between India and Japan.

• The joint drills will involve counter-terror operations in urban terrain, a critical area of operational focus given the contemporary security landscape.

• The troops will also rehearse activities conducted during United Nations peacekeeping operations, simulating real-world situations where multinational forces must collaborate effectively in complex environments.

• This collaboration aims to improve both forces’ ability to respond swiftly and effectively during operations.

• As the exercise progresses, the participating forces will engage in a series of tactical drills, exchanging knowledge and expertise, while building lasting ties of friendship and trust.

Other military exercises with Japan:

• Shinyuu Maitri - Air exercise

• JIMEX - Naval exercise

• Veer Guardian - Air exercise.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)