The Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) have begun the 7th edition of their annual joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ in Uttarakhand, aimed at strengthening operational coordination and defence cooperation between the two countries.
The exercise commenced on 24 February 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia and will continue until 9 March, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
It brings together 120 personnel from each side, with the Indian Army represented by troops from the Ladakh Scouts and Japan deploying soldiers from its 32nd Infantry Regiment.
Held alternately in India and Japan, the exercise has emerged as a key component of the growing defence partnership between the two nations, focusing on improving interoperability and readiness for joint operations.
During the two-week training programme, troops will conduct tactical drills and joint planning exercises in a semi-urban operational environment, reflecting modern battlefield scenarios.
Key activities include establishing temporary operating bases, developing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance grids, setting up mobile vehicle check posts, and conducting cordon and search operations.
Participating forces will also carry out heliborne missions and house intervention drills, aimed at enhancing rapid response capabilities and coordinated action during complex military operations.
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