♦ The 7th edition of the annual India-Japan joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand on 24 February 2026.

♦ The exercise concludes on March 9.

♦ The drill brings together 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

♦ The Japanese contingent is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian side is represented by the Ladakh Scouts.

♦ Held alternately in India and Japan, Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ has emerged as a key pillar of defence cooperation between the two countries, reflecting their growing strategic partnership and shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

♦ The primary objective of the exercise is to strengthen military collaboration and enhance the combined capabilities of both forces to undertake joint operations in a semi-urban environment.