India-Japan Exercise Dharma Guardian is currently underway at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan.
Both Indian and Japanese contingents of troops are engaged in combat shooting drills and obstacle course navigation as part of ongoing training exercises.
The joint exercise highlights Japan and India’s commitment to improving mutual understanding and interoperability while also signifying a deeper level of military cooperation.
The goal of the training exercises is to make the armies more capable in situations including counter-terrorism and disaster response scenarios.
The military exercise is scheduled from February 25 to March 9 to promote military cooperation and improve combined capabilities to carry out joint operations in a semi-urban environment.
On February 25, Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), released an official statement on X, stating, ” DharmaGuardian_2024 The Joint Military Exercise #DharmaGuardian between #India & #Japan commenced today, with the opening ceremony at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in joint tactical-level operations in semi-urban environments under the United Nations mandate.”
Every year, India and Japan alternately host the ‘Dharma Guardian’ exercise. Each contingent has 40 members on both sides. The Japanese contingent is being represented by troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment, while the battalion from the Rajputana Rifles will represent the Indian Army contingent.
Recently, a Ministry of Defence press release read, “Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ will enable the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, Techniques and procedures for conducting tactical operations. The exercise will also facilitate the development of interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops on both sides. This will enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.”