India and Japan will conduct a joint military exercise, “Ex Dharma Guardian 2022” at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi Karnataka from 27 February 2022 to 10 March 2022. A Japanese ground self-defense forces contingent has already arrived in India on Friday to take part in the exercise.
What is Exercise Dharma Guardian 2022?
Exercise Dharma Guardian 2022 is an annual military training event conducted by India since 2018. This year, India is conducting this exercise with Japan.
The scope of this exercise covers platoon-level joint training on operations in the jungle and semi-urban and urban terrain.
The 12 days long joint exercise schedule includes house interventions drills, raid on terrorist hideouts in semi-urban terrain, combat first aid, unarmed combat, and close-quarter combat firing where both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats.
Combat experienced troops of the 15th Battalion the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army and the 30th Infantry Regiment of Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF) are participating in the exercise this year.
They will share experiences gained during operations in order to enhance inter-operability in the planning and execution of various operations in the jungle and semi-urban and urban terrains.
The Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces contingent arrived at the exercise location on 25 February 2022 where they were accorded a warm reception by the Indian side.
The joint field training exercises, joint combat discussions, and joint demonstrations will culminate with a two-day validation exercise scheduled on 08 and 09 March 2022.
Special emphasis is being laid on enhancing tactical skills to fight global terrorism and on enhancing interoperability between the forces and promoting Army to Army relations.
Significance of Exercise Dharma Guardian 2022
In terms of security challenges faced by both countries, Exercise Dharma Guardian 2022 assumes great significance, especially in the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation.
Exercise Dharma Guardian” will enhance the level of defense co-operation between Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces, which in turn will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.