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Troops from India and Japan take part in the 7th edition of the joint military exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand from February 24 to March 9. The exercise is designed to improve coordination between the two armies, particularly in urban warfare and counter-terror operations.
Over the two-week engagement, participating troops will work on joint planning and align tactical procedures. The focus will be on refining drills, sharing operational experience and practising specialised combat skills in built-up areas.
The Indian contingent comprising 120 personnel will be represented mainly by troops from a battalion of the MADRAS Regiment along with troops from others arms and services. The Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) contingent, also comprising similar strength, will be represented by 34th Infantry Regiment.
According to the Army, the training schedule includes setting up a temporary operating base, building an ISR grid, establishing mobile check posts and carrying out cordon-and-search operations. Heliborne missions and house intervention drills are also part of the programme.
Officials say the exercise reflects the steady expansion of defence cooperation between the two countries and their shared interest in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific. Such engagements also help both sides exchange best practices and build familiarity between units operating together.
The upcoming edition follows the 6th exercise held last year at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan. That iteration was conducted on a larger scale, with participation at the company level.
Defence ties between the two countries have been widening beyond military drills. Earlier this year, India and Japan launched a new dialogue on artificial intelligence. They agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on critical minerals during the 18th India–Japan Strategic Dialogue. Officials say these initiatives underline the broader strategic partnership taking shape between the two sides.
Team BharatShakti
