Dharma Guardian 2024: Indian and Japanese forces showcase unity and skill in Rajasthan
| 2024-03-05
The Indo-Japanese joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ is being held in Rajasthan, India from February 25 to March 9, 2024.
Exercise Dharma Guardian reflects the burgeoning defence relationship between India and Japan
In a vivid demonstration of military camaraderie and strategic interoperability, the Indian and Japanese armed forces are currently engaged in the fifth edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2024’ at the expansive Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India. This exercise marks a quintessential moment in the burgeoning defence relationship between India and Japan, emphasizing their collective commitment to ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
Recent posts by the Indian Army on the social media platform X have captured the attention of military enthusiasts and international observers alike. These vividly highlight the seamless synergy between the troops of the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF), as they navigate the challenging obstacle course set before them. Accompanied by the hashtag #IndiaJapanFriendship, the message from the Indian Army is clear: the joint exercise is a solid confirmation of the strong ties and mutual respect that define the India-Japan defence partnership.
On March 3, 2024, the exercise was graced by the presence of Lieutenant General Togashi Yuichi, Commanding General of the Eastern Army, JGSDF, who visited the site to oversee the activities and offer words of encouragement to the participants. His visit underscores the strategic importance of ‘Dharma Guardian’ as a platform for enhancing military cooperation and fostering goodwill between the two nations.
A highlight of the exercise was a meticulously planned mock drill where Indian and Japanese troops jointly executed a mission to neutralize militants in a simulated urban environment. This operation additionally showcased the innovative use of specially trained animals, such as dogs and eagles, to achieve their objectives.
The comprehensive training regimen of ‘Dharma Guardian’ encompasses a wide array of military tactics, including room intervention techniques, close quarter battle firing, obstacle clearance, and unarmed combat. In an interesting melding of tradition and modern warfare training, yoga sessions were incorporated to enhance the soldiers' mental and physical agility, as highlighted by Colonel Amitabh Sharma, PRO (Defence), Jaipur.
Scheduled to conclude on March 9, 2024, this iteration of ‘Dharma Guardian’ seeks to improve the combined operational capabilities of the Indian and Japanese forces, particularly in semi-urban warfare scenarios as outlined under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise declares the strategic intent of both nations to refine their joint planning and execution skills, with a focus on enhancing their special arms capabilities and tactical drills.
The annual ‘Dharma Guardian’ exercise alternates between India and Japan, symbolizing the deep-rooted military cooperation and shared strategic interests of the two nations. This year's edition features 40 personnel from each country, with the Japanese contingent drawn from the 34th Infantry Regiment and the Indian side represented by a Battalion of the prestigious Rajputana Rifles.
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