Indian Army News – On February 22, 2025, the Indian Army contingent departed for the 6th edition of the India-Japan Joint Military Exercise, Dharma Guardian, set to take place in the East Fuji Manoeuvre Training Area of Japan from February 24 to March 9, 2025.
This annual exercise, which alternates between India and Japan, aims to enhance interoperability between the two nations’ forces, focusing on joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate.
The previous edition was held in Rajasthan from February to March 2024, reflecting the consistent commitment to deepening military ties.
The Indian contingent, comprising 120 personnel, is primarily represented by troops from the Madras Regiment, alongside members from other arms and services.
The Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) has deployed a contingent of similar strength from its 34th Infantry Regiment. The exercise will emphasize tactical drills, joint planning, and disaster response strategies, designed to refine combat skills and strengthen operational coordination.
This collaboration builds on the momentum from the Indian Chief of Army Staff’s visit to Japan in October 2024, signaling a broader push for defence cooperation.
Dharma Guardian underscores India and Japan’s shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, fostering military-to-military ties while promoting cultural understanding.
The Ministry of Defence highlighted the exercise as a cornerstone of regional cooperation, emphasizing its role in advancing peace and stability.
However, some analysts question whether such exercises address underlying geopolitical tensions, particularly with China’s growing influence in the region, or if they merely serve as symbolic gestures of unity.