6th Edition of India-Japan Joint Military Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' Kicks Off in Japan.
International
On 24th February 2025, the 6th edition of the India-Japan joint military exercise, 'Dharma Guardian,' commenced at the East Fuji Manoeuvre Training Area in Japan. The exercise will run from 24th February to 9th March 2025.
- The main objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability between India and Japan, with a focus on joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations (UN) mandate.
- Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN is an annual event conducted since 2008, alternately in India and Japan. The 5th edition of the exercise took place at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India, from February to March 2024.
- The exercise involves participation from the Indian Army (IA) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The Indian contingent, comprising 120 personnel, is represented by a battalion of the MADRAS Regiment along with troops from other arms and services. The Japanese contingent, also consisting of 120 personnel, is made up of troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment.
Main Point :- (i) The exercise aims to strengthen the India-Japan relationship by boosting military ties and promoting cultural understanding for regional cooperation. It will focus on physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and disaster response strategies to enhance skills, combat readiness, and teamwork for effective operations.
(ii) India and Japan also conduct military exercises such as the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX), a bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). The 8th edition of JIMEX was held in Japan in June 2024.
(iii) A joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), with the 1st edition held in Japan in January 2023.
About Japan
PM : Shigeru Ishiba
Capital : Tokyo
____________________________
