The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced on Sunday at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted until 9 March.

Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ is an annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Japan. The contingents of both sides comprise 40 personnel each. The Japanese contingent is represented by troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent is represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.

The aim of the exercise is to foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in a semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The exercise would focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills, the Ministry of Defence said.

Tactical drills to be practiced during the Exercise will include establishing of Temporary Operating Base, creating an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Grid, setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Post, executing Cordon and Search Operations in a hostile village, Heliborne operations and House Intervention Drills. A Weapon and Equipment Display will also be organised showcasing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defence industrial capability of the country.

Lt Gen Togashi Yuichi, Commanding General, Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self Defence Force is also scheduled to visit India on the sidelines of “Exercise Dharma Guardian”. The General officer will visit Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on 3rd March 2024 and witness Combat Shooting demonstration, Special Heliborne Operation (SHBO) & House Intervention Drills.

Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting tactical operations. The Exercise will also facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between troops of both sides. This will enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.