The ‘Dharma Guardian-2019’, an annual joint military exercise between India and Japan, aims to foster better defence co-operation and bolster bilateral relations between the two countries. The initiative stems from the mutual desire to learn from each other’s experiences in Counter-Terrorism Operations, focusing on jungle and urban scenarios.
The Genesis of Dharma Guardian
The Dharma Guardian exercise was initiated in 2018, with India as its perennial host. Both India and Japan, faced with their unique challenges in maintaining national security, saw a need for increased cooperation and shared learning. This convergence of goals birthed the Dharma Guardian exercise, which now takes place annually, providing a platform for the military forces of both nations to share knowledge and experience.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism Operations
A significant component of the Dharma Guardian exercise is the joint training on Counter-Terrorism Operations. With the rising threat of terrorism worldwide, it has become imperative for nations to equip their defense forces with the best tactics and strategies. In this context, the Dharma Guardian provides an opportunity for India and Japan’s military forces to exchange their learned lessons in dealing with terrorism. The training particularly focuses on operations carried out in jungle and urban environments, which are known to pose distinct challenges that require special skill sets.
| Year | Host Country | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | India | Jungle and Urban Counter-Terrorism Operations |
| 2019 | India | Jungle and Urban Counter-Terrorism Operations |
Enhancing Bilateral Relations and Defence Cooperation
Beyond the shared wisdom and training, the Dharma Guardian exercise serves a broader diplomatic objective. It is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing defense cooperation between India and Japan. With each iteration of the exercise, the bond between the two nations is bolstered, leading to a more robust diplomatic relationship.
The Future Outlook for Dharma Guardian
Since its initiation, the Dharma Guardian has shown promising outcomes in terms of bilateral co-operation and knowledge exchange. It remains a crucial platform for improving counter-terrorism operations in both countries, and it’s expected that the scope of the exercise will continue to expand in the future. Furthermore, it stands as a testament to the commitment of India and Japan to fight against terrorism, contributing to global peace and stability.