Defence – India and Japan to Hold Dharma Guardian 2026 in Uttarakhand
Defence – India and Japan are set to carry out the seventh edition of their joint military drill, Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026, at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand from February 24 to March 9, according to an announcement by the Indian Army on Monday.
Focus on Joint Preparedness and Coordination
The upcoming exercise is designed to strengthen operational coordination between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Over the course of two weeks, participating troops will work closely to improve their ability to operate together in challenging environments, particularly in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios.
Military officials stated that the exercise will concentrate on refining joint planning processes and aligning tactical procedures. Soldiers from both sides will take part in structured drills aimed at enhancing their combat readiness and understanding of each other’s operational methods.
Training Activities Planned During the Drill
The programme will feature a range of field activities that simulate real-world situations. These include setting up a Temporary Operating Base and building an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance grid to track potential threats. Troops will also rehearse establishing mobile check posts and carrying out cordon and search operations in urban settings.
In addition, the exercise will involve heliborne missions and close-quarter battle drills, such as house intervention exercises. These modules are intended to help both armies develop greater confidence in joint missions that demand speed, coordination and precision.
Military planners believe that practising such scenarios together not only improves battlefield skills but also ensures smoother communication during combined operations.
Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties
The Indian Army noted that Dharma Guardian 2026 reflects the growing defence partnership between India and Japan. The two countries have steadily expanded their military cooperation in recent years, holding regular joint exercises and exchanges aimed at promoting regional stability.
The seventh edition follows last year’s drill, which was conducted at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan from February 24 to March 9, 2025. That edition was notable for being held on a larger scale, with participation at the company-strength level. Officials described it as a key step in deepening operational engagement between the two forces.
By alternating host countries, both sides ensure that their troops gain exposure to different terrains and operational conditions, further broadening their professional experience.
Broader Strategic Cooperation
Defence collaboration forms only one part of the expanding relationship between the two nations. In January this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi launched a new dialogue focused on artificial intelligence during the 18th Strategic Dialogue. They also agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on critical minerals, underlining the widening scope of cooperation.
These developments highlight how India and Japan are working together across multiple domains, including technology, economic security and strategic planning. Their partnership is often described as a special strategic and global partnership, with a shared emphasis on maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Building Trust Through Regular Engagement
Officials view exercises such as Dharma Guardian as essential for building long-term trust. Beyond tactical drills, the interaction allows personnel to exchange professional insights and understand each other’s military culture.
Regular engagement through structured exercises contributes to mutual confidence and ensures that both sides remain prepared to address evolving security challenges. As regional dynamics continue to shift, sustained collaboration between India and Japan is expected to remain a cornerstone of their defence and strategic ties.