The 7th edition of the annual India-Japan Joint Military Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) commenced on February 24, 2026, at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. The exercise will continue until March 9, 2026. Each side is represented by a 120-member contingent, with the JGSDF represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts. The exercise aims to strengthen military collaboration, enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in a semi-urban environment, and improve interoperability through the employment of modern technology. Tactical activities include establishing a Temporary Operating Base, developing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid, setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Posts, conducting Cordon and Search Operations, executing Heliborne Operations, and undertaking House Intervention Drills. (PIB Delhi, posted on February 24, 2026, at 4:46 PM. Release ID: 2232191, Visitor Counter: 804).
Key Entities Referenced
Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN': Annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) aimed at strengthening military collaboration and enhancing combined capabilities.
Indian Army: One of the participants in the Joint Military Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN'.
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF): One of the participants in the Joint Military Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN'.
Chaubattia, Uttarakhand: Location in India where the India-Japan Joint Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' commenced.
Ministry of Defence
INDIA-JAPAN JOINT EXERCISE 'DHARMA
GUARDIAN' COMMENCES IN CHAUBATTIA,
UTTARAKHAND
Posted On: 24 FEB 2026 4:46PM by PIB Delhi
The 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' between the Indian Army
and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) commenced today at the Foreign Training Node,
Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. The exercise will be conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026.
This edition brings together a 120-member contingent from each side, with the JGSDF represented by
troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.
The exercise is held alternately in India and Japan and remains a key pillar of defence cooperation
between the two nations.
The aim of Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' is to strengthen military collaboration and enhance
combined capabilities to undertake joint operations in a semi-urban environment. Over the next two
weeks, participating troops will focus on achieving high levels of physical fitness, refining joint planning
processes and synchronising tactical drills. The Joint Exercise is anchored in employment of modern
technology, enhancing interoperability and contemporary operational aspects.
Key tactical activities during the exercise include:
Establishing a Temporary Operating Base
Developing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid
Setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Posts
Conducting Cordon and Search Operations in hostile environment
Executing Heliborne Operations
Undertaking House Intervention Drills****
NA/PK
(Release ID: 2232191) Visitor Counter : 804
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