A joint military exercise, “EX DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022”, between Indian and Japanese troops, will be conducted at Belgaum in Karnataka from 27th February to 10th March, according to information provided by the Defence Ministry.
The military exercise with Japan is crucial and significant in terms of security challenges faced by both nations in the backdrop of current global situation. The scope of this exercise covers platoon level joint training on operations in jungle and semi-urban and urban terrain, the statement said.
Special emphasis is being laid on enhancing tactical skills to fight global terrorism and on enhancing inter-operability between the forces of the forces of the two countries and to promote Army to Army relations.
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.
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 & semi urban/ 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 & 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.
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.
“Exercise Dharma Guardian” will enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces, which in turn will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022 is an annual training event which is being conducted in India since 2018.
