India and Japan are conducting a joint military exercise called “Ex Dharma Guardian” from February 17 to March 2, 2023, at Japan’s Camp Imazu. This platoon-level training exercise aims to boost defence ties between India and Japan, promote the sharing of knowledge and experience between the armed personnel of the two countries, and enhance the interoperability between the troops.
Ex Dharma Guardian
Ex Dharma Guardian is an annual joint military exercise conducted between India and Japan since 2018. The exercise involves the participation of ground forces from both countries and aims to strengthen the strategic and defence partnership between the two nations.
This year’s exercise is being conducted in jungle and semi-urban or urban terrain. The Garhwal Rifles Regiment is representing India, while an infantry regiment from the Middle Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is representing Japan.
Objective of the Exercise
The objective of Ex Dharma Guardian is to enhance the interoperability between the Indian and Japanese troops and promote the sharing of knowledge and experience between the two armed forces. The exercise is aimed at achieving the following objectives:
- To train the troops of both countries in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in urban and jungle terrain.
- To share experiences on modern techniques of operations, including planning and execution of operations, intelligence gathering, and information sharing.
- To promote cultural and social exchanges between the troops of both countries.
- To develop a better understanding of each other’s tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Significance of the Exercise
Ex Dharma Guardian is a significant exercise for both India and Japan, as it reflects the growing strategic and defence partnership between the two countries. The exercise will enhance the interoperability between the troops of both countries, enabling them to work together more effectively in future operations.
The exercise is also a testament to the shared values and principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law that India and Japan share. The exercise will help strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations and promote peace and stability in the region.
India-Japan Defence Ties
India and Japan have been working to strengthen their strategic and defence partnership for several years. The two countries share a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and both have expressed concern over China’s assertive behaviour in the region.
In recent years, India and Japan have signed several agreements to boost defence ties, including the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which allows the two countries to share military logistics, and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), which enables the two countries to access each other’s military facilities
