India, Japan kickstart 7th edition of ‘Dharma Guardian’ exercise

• The Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) began 'Dharma Guardian' exercise at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand on February 24.

• The seventh edition of the exercise will conclude on March 9.

• 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 at a Japanese military base in the foothills of Mount Fuji.

• This edition brings together a 120-member contingent from each side, with the JGSDF represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts. 

• The exercise remains a key pillar of defence cooperation between the two nations.

• The aim of the exercise is to strengthen military collaboration and enhance combined capabilities to undertake joint operations in a semi-urban environment.

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.)