EXERCISE DHARMA GUARDIAN (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India and Japan recently kicked off a two-week military exercise in Rajasthan’s Mahajan field firing range to foster deeper cooperation in confronting common security challenges.

Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN

• About: It is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan.
• Japanese Contingent: Troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment.
• Indian Army Contingent: Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.
• Aim: To foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. 
• Focus: On high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills.

Significance

• Enhancing Tactical Operations: Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' promotes the sharing of best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for conducting tactical operations.
• Building Inter-Operability: The exercise facilitates the development of inter-operability among troops from both sides, fostering better coordination and synergy.
• Fostering Camaraderie: Participation in the exercise cultivates bonhomie and camaraderie among the troops, strengthening bonds between the two nations.
• Boosting Defence Cooperation: The exercise contributes to enhancing the level of defence cooperation, further solidifying bilateral relations between the friendly nations.