India–Japan Military Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026

India–Japan Military Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026

Introduction

• Exercise Edition – This is the 7th time this yearly joint military exercise is being held between India and Japan
• Commencement Date – The exercise started on 24 February 2026
• Exercise Venue – It is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia
• Location Details – Chaubattia is in Almora district of Uttarakhand, India
• Bilateral Partners – Soldiers from India and Japan are taking part
• Defence Cooperation – It is part of growing defence friendship between the two countries
• Operational Focus – The main aim is to improve how both armies work together during operations
• Interoperability Aim – It helps both sides learn how to coordinate better in modern battle situations
• Two-Week Drill – The training will continue for about two weeks
• Indian Contingent – The Indian Army team is from the Ladakh Scouts regiment
• Japanese Contingent – The Japanese team is from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
• Japanese Unit – The Japanese soldiers belong to the 32nd Infantry Regiment

Objectives and Importance

Military Collaboration

• Mutual Understanding – The exercise helps soldiers of both countries understand each other better
• Trust Building – It builds trust and strong teamwork between the two armies

Combined Operations

• Operational Efficiency – Soldiers are trained to carry out missions together smoothly
• Semi-Urban Focus – Training is based on fighting in areas that are partly city and partly open land

Interoperability Enhancement

• Tactical Synchronisation – Both sides practise using similar methods during operations
• Communication Systems – They learn to communicate clearly and effectively
• Planning Coordination – Officers plan missions together as a team
• Movement Drills – Troops practise moving in a coordinated and safe manner

Best Practice Exchange

• Tactical Knowledge – Soldiers share useful battlefield knowledge
• Operational Strategies – They discuss different ways to handle military situations
• Combat Techniques – They learn new fighting techniques from each other
• Readiness Improvement – This improves their overall preparation for real missions

Regional Security

• Indo-Pacific Stability – Both countries show their support for peace in the Indo-Pacific region
• Security Cooperation – It strengthens security partnership between India and Japan

Key Activities and Tactical Drills

• Temporary Base Setup
• TOB Establishment – Soldiers set up Temporary Operating Bases during the exercise
• Field Camps – These bases work like camps from where operations are managed
• Command Coordination – Officers control and guide operations from these bases
• Logistics Support – Arrangements are made for food, equipment and supplies

ISR Grid Development

• ISR Integration – Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems are used
• Battlefield Awareness – These systems help soldiers know what is happening around them
• Information Gathering – They collect important information about the situation

Vehicle Check Posts

• Mobile Checkpoints – Temporary vehicle check posts are set up in different areas
• Area Control – These posts help in checking and controlling movement

Cordon Operations

• Blockade Formation – Soldiers surround a selected area for security reasons
• Search Missions – They search the area carefully for possible threats
• Threat Neutralisation – If any danger is found, they practise how to handle it safely

Heliborne Operations

• Troop Insertion – Soldiers are sent to certain areas using helicopters
• Rapid Extraction – Helicopters are also used to bring them back quickly
• Rapid Deployment – This shows how forces can be moved fast in emergency situations

Close-Quarter Combat

• House Intervention – Soldiers practise entering and clearing buildings
• Urban Warfare – Training is given for fighting in towns or built-up areas
• Close Engagements – They learn how to fight in small and tight spaces

Joint Planning

• Command Exercises – Officers from both sides plan operations together
• Execution Drills – They carry out the planned tasks jointly
• Real-Time Decisions – Soldiers practise taking quick decisions during action

Troop Composition and Scale

• Personnel Strength – Around 120 soldiers from each country are participating
• Japanese Regiment – The Japanese team comes from the 32nd Infantry Regiment
• Infantry Expertise – This regiment is known for its strong infantry training
• Indian Regiment – The Indian team belongs to the Ladakh Scouts
• High-Altitude Skills – Ladakh Scouts are experienced in fighting in high mountain areas
• Versatile Roles – They are trained to perform different types of combat duties

Historical Context

• Annual Exercise – Dharma Guardian is held every year
• Alternate Hosting – India and Japan host it in turn
• Urban Warfare – Earlier exercises also focused on urban combat training
• Counter-Terror Training – Special attention is given to counter-terrorism operations
• 2025 Edition – The 2025 exercise was conducted in Japan
• Company Participation – That edition saw larger company-level participation
• Strategic Deepening – Over the years, the exercise has made defence ties stronger

Strategic Significance

• Defence Framework – The exercise is part of wider defence cooperation between India and Japan
• Training Programs – Both countries regularly organise joint training programmes
• Regional Peace – It shows their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific
• Counter-Terror Focus – They cooperate closely in dealing with terrorism
• Disaster Response – Both sides also work together in disaster relief efforts
• Technology Integration – Modern military equipment and technology are used
• Operational Doctrine – The armies try to match their methods and working style

Important Questions

1. Where is the 7th edition of the Dharma Guardian being conducted in Uttarakhand, India?
2. Which two countries are participating in the India–Japan Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026?
3. Which Indian Army regiment and which Japan Ground Self-Defense Force regiment are participating in Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026?
4. What are the main objectives of the India–Japan Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026?
5. What types of training activities and tactical military drills are included in Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026?

Conclusion

The 7th edition of Dharma Guardian continues to strengthen the growing defence partnership between India and Japan, reflecting their shared priorities in regional security and military collaboration. By focusing on advanced urban combat, interoperability, and real-world tactical skills, the exercise deepens mutual trust and operational readiness for future joint endeavours.