After conducting their first-ever joint air combat drills last month with a keen eye on China, India and Japan will shortly begin an exercise between their armies to improve interoperability and sharpen their military prowess.
From February 17 to March 2, the exercise "Dharma Guardian" at Camp Imazu in the Japanese province of Shiga will concentrate on platoon-level operations in jungle, semi-urban, and urban terrains. The fourth iteration of Dharma Guardian, which is taking place against the backdrop of the current international crisis, is vital and significant in terms of the security concerns faced by both nations.
India has sent a contingent from the Garhwal Rifles regiment for the exercise, while Japan is fielding the Middle Army of the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force. “The exercise will enable the two armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations under a UN Mandate, in addition to developing interoperability, bonhomie, camaraderie and friendship between the two forces,” he added.