India–Japan Joint Military Drill ‘Dharma Guardian’ Strengthens Tactical Interoperability

Why in News ?

The 7th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, the annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), has commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and joint operational capabilities in semi-urban combat environments.

Background & Context

India and Japan have steadily deepened defence and strategic cooperation over the past decade, particularly under their “Special Strategic and Global Partnership.” The annual Dharma Guardian exercise serves as a cornerstone of this growing military engagement.

The strengthening of India–Japan defence ties aligns with:

• Shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
• Concerns over maritime security and regional stability.
• Increasing emphasis on joint preparedness for counter-terrorism and humanitarian operations.

Defence cooperation between the two countries has expanded to include logistics agreements, high-level military dialogues, and participation in multilateral naval exercises.

About Exercise Dharma Guardian

• Type: Annual bilateral military exercise
• Participants: Indian Army & Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)
• Nature: Counter-terrorism and joint operations training
• Venue: Alternates between India and Japan
• Current Edition: 7th edition

The exercise remains a key pillar of India–Japan defence engagement and reflects growing military trust and operational coordination.

Aim of the Exercise

The primary objective of Exercise Dharma Guardian is to:

• Strengthen military-to-military collaboration.
• Enhance combined capabilities to undertake joint operations in semi-urban terrain.
• Improve interoperability between Indian and Japanese ground forces.
• Share best practices in tactical operations and counter-terrorism strategies.

Key Tactical Activities Conducted

The exercise focuses on realistic, scenario-based operations, including:

1. Establishment of Temporary Operating Base (TOB)

Simulating deployment and operational readiness in hostile environments.

2. Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Grid Development

Coordinated surveillance planning to detect and neutralise threats.

3. Mobile Vehicle Check Posts

Simulating urban security operations to detect infiltration or contraband.

4. Cordon and Search Operations

Joint drills in hostile and semi-urban terrain to neutralise simulated insurgents.

5. Heliborne Operations

Rapid insertion of troops using helicopters to secure strategic locations.

6. House Intervention Drills

Room-clearing and close-quarter battle techniques for urban warfare scenarios.

These exercises enhance tactical synchronisation and operational compatibility.

Other Defence Exercises Between India and Japan

1. Malabar (Naval Exercise)

The multilateral naval exercise Malabar involves India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. It enhances maritime interoperability and Indo-Pacific naval coordination.
Participants include the United States and Australia.

2. JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise)

A bilateral naval exercise focusing on maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and tactical manoeuvres.

3. SHINYUU Maitri

An air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, focusing on air mobility and disaster relief cooperation.

Together, these exercises indicate expanding tri-service defence cooperation.

Strategic Significance of Exercise Dharma Guardian

1. Strengthening India–Japan Strategic Partnership

The exercise reinforces defence ties within the broader framework of their special strategic relationship.

2. Enhancing Indo-Pacific Security Architecture

Improves preparedness to respond to regional contingencies, including terrorism and maritime threats.

3. Improving Interoperability

Standardising operational procedures ensures seamless coordination during joint missions.

4. Confidence Building & Trust

Regular bilateral exercises build mutual understanding, trust, and strategic alignment.

5. Expanding India’s Defence Diplomacy

Positions India as a reliable security partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Broader Geopolitical Context

India and Japan are both active members of the Quad grouping, alongside the United States and Australia, which promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Military cooperation through exercises like Dharma Guardian reflects:

• Shared concerns over regional security challenges.
• The shift toward multi-domain operational preparedness.
• Growing emphasis on joint response capabilities in evolving conflict scenarios.