India and Japan have commenced the seventh edition of their joint military exercise, Dharma Guardian 2026, in Uttarakhand, marking another significant step in deepening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing operational coordination between the two armies, particularly in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
Joint training in Uttarakhand focuses on urban warfare and counter-terror operations
Troops from India and Japan began participating in the seventh edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand on February 24. The two-week exercise will continue until March 9 and is structured to improve coordination, interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force.
The exercise is designed with a clear operational focus on urban warfare and counter-terror operations, reflecting the evolving security challenges faced by both countries. As modern conflicts increasingly shift to densely populated environments, both armies are seeking to refine tactics suited to built-up areas, where precision, coordination and rapid decision-making are crucial.
Over the course of the engagement, participating troops will undertake joint planning activities and align their tactical procedures. This process involves harmonising standard operating procedures, synchronising communication protocols and understanding each other’s command structures. Such alignment is essential for ensuring smooth cooperation in any future joint or multilateral missions.
The Indian contingent, comprising 120 personnel, is primarily drawn from a battalion of the MADRAS Regiment, supported by troops from other arms and services. Their Japanese counterparts, of similar strength, represent the 34th Infantry Regiment of the Japan Ground Self Defence Force. The balanced composition of the contingents enables both sides to train at comparable operational levels and exchange professional insights effectively.
According to the Indian Army, the training schedule includes setting up a temporary operating base, which serves as a hub for command and logistical coordination during simulated missions. Establishing such a base allows troops to rehearse real-world deployment scenarios in a structured environment.
Another key component of the exercise is the creation of an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance grid. Building an effective ISR network enhances situational awareness, a critical factor in counter-terror and urban combat scenarios. By integrating surveillance assets and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, troops can practise real-time information exchange and coordinated responses.
The programme also includes establishing mobile check posts and conducting cordon-and-search operations. These drills simulate counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations in urban and semi-urban settings. Troops practise isolating specific zones, conducting systematic searches and ensuring civilian safety while neutralising potential threats.
Heliborne missions form another vital aspect of the exercise. Such missions require precise coordination between ground forces and aviation units. By rehearsing insertion and extraction procedures using helicopters, both sides refine their rapid deployment capabilities and learn to operate seamlessly in high-intensity environments.
House intervention drills, which replicate close-quarter battle conditions, are also part of the training schedule. These drills demand a high level of coordination, discipline and tactical precision. Practising these skills together enhances mutual trust and builds familiarity between soldiers operating side by side.
Officials have described the exercise as a reflection of the steady expansion of defence cooperation between India and Japan. Beyond immediate tactical objectives, Dharma Guardian serves as a platform for exchanging best practices and learning from each other’s operational experiences. It allows both armies to gain insights into different training methodologies and adapt useful techniques to their own doctrines.
Expanding defence partnership anchored in Indo-Pacific security cooperation
The seventh edition of Dharma Guardian follows the sixth 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, signalling a gradual increase in the scope and complexity of joint drills. The alternating venues underscore the reciprocal nature of the partnership and demonstrate mutual commitment to sustained engagement.
The growing scale and sophistication of these exercises highlight the broader strategic convergence between India and Japan. Both countries share an interest in maintaining peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. As maritime trade routes and regional security dynamics evolve, cooperation between like-minded partners has gained increasing importance.
Defence engagements such as Dharma Guardian contribute to this shared objective by building operational familiarity and strengthening institutional linkages. Repeated interactions enable officers and troops to develop personal rapport and professional confidence, which are critical during coordinated responses to regional contingencies.
Military cooperation between the two nations has expanded steadily in recent years. Joint exercises on land complement maritime and air engagements, creating a comprehensive framework for defence collaboration. Such multi-domain interaction enhances readiness and sends a message of commitment to regional security.
Beyond military drills, defence ties between India and Japan have widened into emerging technological domains. Earlier this year, the two countries launched a new dialogue on artificial intelligence, reflecting their shared recognition of the transformative impact of advanced technologies on defence and security. The incorporation of artificial intelligence into surveillance, logistics and battlefield management is increasingly shaping modern armed forces.
In addition, during the 18th India–Japan Strategic Dialogue, the two sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on critical minerals. Access to and processing of critical minerals are essential for defence manufacturing, advanced electronics and renewable technologies. Cooperation in this area underscores the broader strategic dimension of the partnership, linking economic resilience with national security.
Officials have emphasised that these initiatives collectively illustrate the deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan. The expansion of defence cooperation, coupled with collaboration in technology and resource security, indicates a multidimensional approach to bilateral ties.
The conduct of Dharma Guardian 2026 in Uttarakhand therefore represents more than a routine training event. It symbolises the steady evolution of India–Japan relations from limited engagement to a robust and institutionalised security partnership. By enhancing interoperability, sharing operational knowledge and aligning strategic priorities, the two countries continue to reinforce their shared vision for stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
