What happened?
An Indian Army contingent departed on 22 February 2025 for the sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, scheduled from 24 February to 9 March 2025 at the East Fuji Manoeuvre Training Area, Japan. The exercise, involving 120 personnel from India’s MADRAS Regiment and troops from Japan’s 34th Infantry Regiment, focuses on joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate.
Why it matters to India:
Exercise Dharma Guardian enhances military interoperability between India and Japan, reinforcing defence ties and strategic cooperation. The joint drills improve operational capabilities, combat readiness, and coordination in urban warfare and disaster response. Strengthening India-Japan defence relations aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, promoting regional stability and shared security objectives.