India and Japan Strengthen Defence Ties with ‘Dharma Guardian’ Military Exercise
Joint Training to Enhance Combat Readiness & Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
New Delhi, February 22, 2025 – The Indian Army contingent departed for Japan on Saturday, February 22, marking the beginning of the sixth edition of the India-Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian.’ The exercise, set to take place at the East Fuji Manoeuvre Training Area in Japan from February 24 to March 9, 2025, is a crucial step in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the joint exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of India and Japan, particularly in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate.
Building Defence Synergy Between India and Japan
‘Dharma Guardian’ is an annual defence collaboration conducted alternately in India and Japan. The last edition was held in Rajasthan, India, in February-March 2024. The current Indian Army contingent consists of 120 personnel, mainly from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, along with troops from other arms and services.
On the Japanese side, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will be represented by the 34th Infantry Regiment, comprising an equivalent number of personnel.
The MoD emphasized that this year’s exercise will focus on joint tactical drills, operational coordination, and disaster response strategies. The objective is to enhance operational capabilities, refine combat skills, and improve the ability to conduct effective joint military operations.
Expanding Military Cooperation
This high-intensity joint training comes in the wake of the successful visit of India’s Chief of Army Staff to Japan in October 2024. The Indian Army has been actively engaging in collaborative exercises with key regional partners, and the ‘Dharma Guardian’ exercise reflects the growing military-to-military ties between India and Japan.
The Ministry of Defence highlighted the significance of this joint exercise, stating:
“‘Dharma Guardian’ underscores the shared commitment of India and Japan towards regional security, peace, and stability while advancing their common vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
As part of the training, both contingents will engage in:
- Joint tactical operations and combat training
- High-intensity physical fitness drills
- Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations
- Urban warfare training in complex environments
A Stronger Indo-Pacific Alliance
The growing military collaboration between India and Japan is crucial for ensuring regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Given the increasing geopolitical tensions in the region, both nations are focused on strengthening defence cooperation to counter emerging security threats.
Beyond military drills, the India-Japan relationship extends to broader security cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and maritime security coordination. Both countries have been active in regional security dialogues, including the Quad alliance, alongside the United States and Australia.
Deepening Bilateral Relations
‘Dharma Guardian’ is not just a military training exercise; it is a symbol of the growing trust, friendship, and cultural ties between India and Japan. It sets the stage for greater cooperation in defence, technology, and regional security, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific.
With each successive edition, the exercise strengthens the operational readiness of both forces, ensuring they are prepared to counter modern security challenges together.
***
