India and Japan to commence joint training exercise 'Dharma Guardian'

India and Japan will begin the fourth edition of joint military exercise 'Ex Dharma Guardian' on Friday (February 17, 2023). The exercise, which will continue till March 2, will be held at Camp Imazu in Shiga province, Japan, India's Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.

This annual military training event holds a significant place in the joint military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, considering the security challenges faced by both nations in the current global situation.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Defence, the two countries will conduct platoon-level joint training on operations in jungle and semi-urban/urban terrain. The troops of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and an Infantry Regiment from the Middle Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) are participating in the exercise this year. This will enable both nations to share their experiences gained during operations and enhance their interoperability in planning and execution.

The joint exercise will focus on sharing the best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures of conducting tactical operations under a UN Mandate, besides developing inter-operability, bonhomie, camaraderie, and friendship between the two armies. The training will primarily concentrate on a high degree of physical fitness and sharing of drills at the tactical level, the Ministry of Defence said.

Participants will engage in a variety of missions, ranging from joint planning, joint tactical drills, and basics of establishing integrated surveillance grids, to employment of aerial assets. The exercise will facilitate both armies to better understand each other, share their vast experiences, and enhance their situational awareness.

'Exercise Dharma Guardian' aims to enhance the level of defense cooperation between the Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces, furthering the bilateral relations between the two nations. This joint military training exercise between India and Japan will prove to be a critical step towards the strengthening of mutual understanding and promoting peace and stability in the region.