India and Japan have commenced the 7th edition of their bilateral Army exercise, Dharma Guardian 2026, at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, from 24 February to 9 March 2026. The exercise is conducted between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and represents a significant pillar of the growing India–Japan strategic defence partnership.
🔹 Objective of the Exercise
The primary objective of Dharma Guardian is to enhance operational interoperability, improve joint tactical planning, andt strengthen counter-terrorism coordination between the two armies. The drills are structured to simulate real-world combat scenarios, particularly in urban warfare and semi-urban conflict environments, which are increasingly relevant in modern asymmetric warfare.
🔹 Key Training Components
The exercise includes:
Establishment of Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs)
Creation of advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) grids
Cordon and Search Operations (CASO)
Heliborne insertion and extraction drillsR
Room-intervention and close-quarter battle exercises
Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism simulations
These components aim to enable both forces to operate cohesively during joint missions, including peacekeeping and multinational operations under international mandates.
🔹 Strategic Significance
The India–Japan defence relationship has steadily deepened over the past decade, particularly within the framework of the Indo-Pacific security architecture. Both countries share concerns regarding maritime security, regional stability, and emerging security challenges.
Dharma Guardian 2026 reflects:
Strengthening of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership
Increased military-to-military engagement
Alignment on maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific
Expansion of defence diplomacy beyond naval cooperation (such as the Malabar exercise)
The high-altitude terrain of Uttarakhand also provides valuable environmental exposure for Japanese troops, while Indian forces benefit from exposure to Japanese tactical doctrines and technological integration methods.
🔹 Broader Defence Context
This exercise comes amid India’s broader push to modernize its armed forces, enhance jointness, air expand strategic partnerships with like-minded nations. For Japan, participation signals a gradual normalization of defence cooperation beyond its immediate region, consistent with its evolving security policy.
🔹 Why This Matters
In an increasingly complex global security environment, bilateral military exercises such as Dharma Guardian serve not only as training platforms but also as strategic signalling mechanisms. They demonstrate trust, preparedness, and shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
The 2026 edition further consolidates India and Japan’s defence collaboration and highlights their growing role as key security partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
