Introduction
Dharma Guardian is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). It aims to strengthen defence cooperation, improve interoperability and enhance coordination in counter-terrorism and humanitarian operations.
The exercise is held alternately in India and Japan.
Background
- The first edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian was held in 2018.
- It forms an important component of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
- The exercise reflects the growing defence and security cooperation between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific.
Objectives
- Enhance interoperability between the two armies.
- Improve cooperation in counter-terrorism operations.
- Share best practices in military tactics and operational procedures.
- Strengthen mutual understanding and trust.
- Promote regional peace, stability and security.
Key Features
- Annual bilateral army exercise.
- Conducted alternately in India and Japan.
- Involves the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
- Focuses on joint tactical operations.
- Simulates operations in urban and semi-urban terrain.
- Conducted in accordance with United Nations (UN) peacekeeping principles.
Major Areas of Training
- Counter-terrorism operations.
- Urban warfare.
- Room intervention and close-quarter battle.
- Jungle and mountainous operations.
- Intelligence sharing and surveillance.
- Combat first aid and casualty evacuation.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- Tactical communication and interoperability.
Significance
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
Enhances military-to-military engagement between India and Japan.
Indo-Pacific Security
Supports the vision of a Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific by promoting regional stability and cooperation.
Counter-Terrorism
Improves the capability of both armies to conduct coordinated counter-terrorism operations under diverse operational conditions.
Interoperability
Develops common operational procedures, communication protocols and coordination mechanisms for joint missions.
Strategic Partnership
Reinforces the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and complements other bilateral defence mechanisms such as the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Defence Policy Dialogue and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
Way Forward
- Expand the scope of joint training to include cyber and emerging technologies.
- Increase the complexity and frequency of joint exercises.
- Promote greater defence industrial and technological collaboration.
- Strengthen trilateral and multilateral cooperation through platforms such as the Quad.
- Enhance coordination in HADR and maritime security.
Conclusion
Exercise Dharma Guardian has become a cornerstone of India–Japan defence cooperation. By enhancing interoperability, counter-terrorism capabilities and mutual trust, it strengthens the strategic partnership between the two countries and contributes to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
