INDIA-JAPAN JOINT EXERCISE ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ COMMENCES IN RAJASTHAN
By PIB Delhi
The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced today at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 25th February to 9th March 2024.
Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan. The contingent of both sides comprises of 40 personnel each. The Japanese contingent is represented by troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent is represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.
The aim of the Exercise is to foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in the semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The Exercise would focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills, and basics of special arms skills.
Tactical drills to be practiced during the Exercise will include establishing of 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. A Weapon and Equipment Display will also be organised showcasing the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defence industrial capability of the country.
Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi, Commanding General, of the Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self Defence Force is also scheduled to visit India on the sidelines of “Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN”. The General officer will visit Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on 3rd March 2024 and witness the Combat Shooting demonstration, Special Heliborne Operation (SHBO) & House Intervention Drills.
Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for conducting tactical operations. The Exercise will also facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between troops of both sides. This will enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
