The 5th edition of the military exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN,’ commenced with the participation of the Indian army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force at The Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Scheduled from February 25 to March 9 2024, this annual event alternates between the two nations, each sending 40 personnel to participate. This year, Japan’s 34th Infantry Regiment and India’s Rajputana Rifles represent their respective countries.
The primary objective of ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is to strengthen military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in a semi-urban environment, under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise focuses on improving physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic skills in special arms. Key aspects of the exercise include establishing a temporary operating base, creating an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid, setting up a mobile vehicle check post, executing cordon and search operations in a hostile village, heliborne operations, and house intervention drills.
During the exercise, a weapon and equipment display will showcase India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and its growing industrial capability. Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi, Commander of the Eastern Army of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, will visit India and witness a combat shooting demonstration, special heliborne operations, and house intervention drills on 3 March.
Through ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN,’ both nations may exchange their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures. The exercise promotes interoperability, camaraderie, and goodwill among both nations’ military forces, eventually improving enhancing ties between India and Japan.
Punit Shyam Gore
