Exercise Dharma Guardian 2024

India, Japan Military Conduct Annual Combat Drill

The 5th edition Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Forces joint exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2024’ commenced on February 25th at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India and will continue till March 9th, 2024.

About the Bilateral Combat Drill

The annual exercise Dharma Guardian hosted alternatively in both countries involves 40 troop contingents each drilled in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism scenarios under a United Nations charter.

Key Goal

The objective of the exercise is honing integrated operational capacities and enhancing inter-operability between armies based on shared expertise in niche domains like heliborne insertion and intelligence, critical for overseas deployments.

Practiced Battle Tactics

Specialized combat tactical drills which are practiced jointly by the troops include establishment of temporary base of operations, mounted patrols, cordon and search in hostile zones, interventions in built up areas etc.

Advanced Equipment Showcasing

The exercise also facilitates exchange of best practices, technology demonstrations and weapon displays underscoring indigenous defence production – aligning with India’s self-reliance vision.

Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties

Japanese contingent is being represented by troops from the 34^th Infantry Regiment and Indian Army contingent is being represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles. The high level participation of Japan’s Eastern Army top commander and observing troop capacities boosts strategic bilateral defence cooperation and diplomatic ties.

Takeaway for Armed Forces

Through sustained joint Field training periodically, Indian Army assimilates cross-pollination of fine techniques, modern battle procedures and response protocols from friendly foreign forces expanding tactics horizon.
The Dharma Guardian combat exercise produces synergistic benefits for both Indian and Japanese armies by forging interoperability crucial for overseas deployments while strengthening wider bilateral defence cooperation.

Previous Exercises

To promote Military cooperation, India and Japan held the first ever joint military exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN-2018’ involving the Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force at Counter Insurgency Warfare School, Vairengte, India.
The most recent 4th edition of the joint military exercise was organised at Camp Imazu, Japan, from February 17 to March 2, 2023. While the Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022 was held in Belgaum, Karnataka in India for twelve days as an intense joint military training.

Category: Defence Current Affairs