Uttarakhand: India-Japan Joint Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' commences in Chaubattia
New Delhi, February 25
The 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force commenced on Tuesday at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia in Uttarakhand.
The exercise will be conducted from February 24 to March 9.
This edition brings together a 120-member contingent from each side, with the JGSDF represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts, said the Ministry of Defence.
The exercise is held alternately in India and Japan and remains a key pillar of defence cooperation between the two nations.
The aim of Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' is to strengthen military collaboration and enhance combined capabilities to undertake joint operations in a semi-urban environment. Over the next two weeks, participating troops will focus on achieving high levels of physical fitness, refining joint planning processes and synchronising tactical drills.
The Joint Exercise is anchored in the employment of modern technology, enhancing interoperability and contemporary operational aspects.
The key tactical activities during the exercise include establishing a temporary operating base, developing an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) grid, setting up mobile vehicle check posts, conducting cordon and search operations in hostile environments, executing heliborne operations, and undertaking house intervention drills.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see our armed forces engaging in such high-level training. The focus on modern tech and interoperability is the need of the hour. Hope the local economy in Chaubattia also benefits a bit from this activity.
While joint exercises are important, I hope the environmental impact in the beautiful hills of Uttarakhand is being carefully managed. These are sensitive ecosystems. The military must also be a guardian of our natural heritage.
The name 'Dharma Guardian' is so apt. It's about protecting shared values and peace. As someone living in Delhi, it's reassuring to know our soldiers are constantly training and evolving with global partners like Japan.
Japan is a technology leader. Our jawans learning and sharing tactics with them is a big plus. The details about ISR grids and heliborne ops sound intense. Jai Hind to all participants! Stay safe.
Solid step forward. In today's world, you need strong friends. Japan and India both understand the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This exercise sends a clear message about our commitment to that.
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