India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ Begins in Uttarakhand

Daily Current Affairs / India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ Begins in Uttarakhand

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Category : Defense Published on: February 26 2026

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The 7th edition of Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’, an annual India–Japan joint military drill, commenced on 24 February 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, and will continue till 9 March 2026. The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Japan and is a key pillar of defence cooperation between the two nations.
A total of 120 personnel from each side are participating, with troops from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army’s Ladakh Scouts. The drill focuses on enhancing interoperability and joint operational capabilities in semi-urban environments.
Key activities include Temporary Operating Base setup, ISR grid development, cordon and search operations, and heliborne drills. The exercise strengthens India–Japan defence ties and promotes regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.