Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 Begins in Uttarakhand

The 7th edition of the annual joint military exercise Dharma Guardian between India and Japan started on 24 February, 2026 in Uttarakhand. This military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will continue till 9 March, 2026.

• The Defence Ministry said that a contingent of 120 personnel from both sides is participating. The Japanese contingent is represented by soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian Army team includes soldiers from the Ladakh Scouts.
• This exercise is held alternately in India and Japan and has become an important part of defence cooperation between the two countries.
• The objective of the exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ is to strengthen military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to conduct joint operations in a semi-urban environment.
• Over the next two weeks, participating contingents will focus on achieving high levels of physical fitness, improving the joint planning process and synchronising tactical drills.
• The joint exercise is based on the use of modern technology, interoperability and enhancing contemporary operational aspects.

About exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’

• The sixth edition of the bilateral military exercise ‘Exercise Dharma Guardian’ between India and Japan was successfully concluded in Japan.
• India and Japan conducted the first joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian-2018’ from 01 November to 14 November, 2018 at the Counter Insurgency Warfare School, Vairengte, India with the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force.
• It is an annual exercise conducted alternately in India and Japan, which enhances combat readiness through counter-terrorism training in urban areas and includes United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises.
• India-Japan multilateral exercises: Veer Guardian (Air Force), Shinyuu Maitri (Air Force), JIMEX (Navy) and Malabar (Navy) (with Australia and the United States).