The 7th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. Scheduled from February 24 to March 9, 2026, the exercise underscores deepening defence cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific partners amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Participating Forces and Structure
The exercise brings together 120 personnel from each side.
- The Indian contingent is drawn from the [“Indian Army”,”india military organization”], specifically the [“Ladakh Scouts”,”indian army regiment”].
- The Japanese contingent represents the [“Japan Ground Self-Defense Force”,”japan military branch”], including troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
Held alternately in India and Japan, Dharma Guardian has emerged as a structured mechanism for bilateral military engagement.
Objectives of Exercise Dharma Guardian
The core aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and combined operational capabilities, particularly in semi-urban warfare scenarios.
The two-week training programme focuses on:
- Strengthening military collaboration.
- Enhancing joint planning and coordination.
- Synchronising tactical drills.
- Improving physical endurance and combat readiness.
The emphasis on semi-urban operations reflects contemporary conflict environments where hybrid warfare and counter-terror operations dominate.
Key Tactical Components
The exercise integrates modern technologies and contemporary operational doctrines. Major tactical activities include:
- Establishing a Temporary Operating Base (TOB).
- Developing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid.
- Setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Posts.
- Conducting Cordon and Search Operations.
- Executing Heliborne Operations.
- Undertaking House Intervention Drills.
These drills simulate counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environments, enhancing coordination under realistic operational conditions.
Strategic Significance in the Indo-Pacific
India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with defence cooperation forming a key pillar. Joint exercises such as Dharma Guardian complement other bilateral and multilateral engagements, including maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise contributes to:
- Building trust and mutual understanding between armed forces.
- Enhancing readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
- Strengthening rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Given the shifting security landscape, such engagements reinforce shared commitments to regional stability.
Military Diplomacy and Interoperability
Joint exercises serve as instruments of military diplomacy. They allow partner nations to:
- Exchange best practices and operational experiences.
- Test interoperability of communication and logistics systems.
- Develop coordinated responses to emerging threats.
For India, expanding defence ties with technologically advanced partners like Japan aligns with its broader strategic outreach under the Indo-Pacific vision.
What to Note for Prelims?
- Exercise Dharma Guardian is a joint military exercise between India and Japan.
- 7th edition held in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand (2026).
- Participants: Indian Army (Ladakh Scouts) and JGSDF (32nd Infantry Regiment).
- Conducted alternately in India and Japan.
- Focus: Semi-urban operations and interoperability.
What to Note for Mains?
- Discuss the role of bilateral military exercises in strengthening Indo-Pacific security.
- Examine the importance of interoperability in modern warfare.
- Analyse India–Japan defence cooperation in the context of evolving regional geopolitics.
- Evaluate military diplomacy as a tool of foreign policy.
