India and Japan to hold joint military exercise at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi

India and Japan will hold a joint military exercise, “DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022”, at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi (Belgaum, Karnataka) from 27 February to 10 March with the objective of meeting the security challenges faced by both nations.

The exercise is an annual training event that is being conducted in India since 2018. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, Exercise ”DHARMA GUARDIAN” with Japan is considered crucial and significant in the backdrop of the current global situation. The scope of this exercise covers platoon level joint training on operations in the jungle and semi-urban/urban terrain.

Combat experienced troops of the 15th Battalion the MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment of the Indian Army and 30th Infantry Regiment of Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF) are participating in the exercise this year to share experiences gained during operations in order to enhance inter-operability in planning and execution of various operations in jungle and semi-urban/ urban terrain.

The Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces contingent arrived today at the exercise location where they were accorded a warm reception by the Indian side.

The 12-day 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 neutralisation of likely threats.

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The joint field training exercise, joint combat discussions and joint demonstrations will culminate with a two-day validation exercise scheduled on 8-9 March. 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.

“Exercise Dharma Guardian” will enhance the level of defence co-operation between the Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces, which, in turn, will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.