The 6th edition of the India-Japan joint military exercise, Dharma Guardian, is currently being conducted at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan. The exercise, which commenced on February 24, 2025, and is set to conclude on March 9, 2025, represents a significant step forward in strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations. This year’s edition is being carried out on a larger scale, with troop participation expanded to a company-strength level for the first time since the exercise was first introduced. The primary focus of Dharma Guardian 2025 is to enhance coordination between the Indian and Japanese forces in conducting joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate. The training emphasizes high levels of physical fitness, joint mission planning, and the execution of tactical drills. Through these activities, both armies aim to improve their operational readiness and refine their combat strategies in complex and high-intensity environments.

In addition to combat training, the exercise aims to strengthen interoperability between the two militaries by facilitating the exchange of tactical knowledge and disaster response techniques. The drills are designed to improve their ability to work together in real-world scenarios, thereby increasing their effectiveness in handling both security threats and humanitarian crises. Beyond military cooperation, Dharma Guardian also serves as a cultural exchange platform, fostering mutual understanding and camaraderie between the participating troops. The joint exercise highlights the deepening defence ties between India and Japan, reflecting their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability. It aligns with their broader strategic vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, reinforcing their role in maintaining a rules-based international order. The growing military cooperation between the two countries is further exemplified by recent high-level diplomatic engagements, including the visit of India’s Chief of the Army Staff to Japan in October 2024.

Dharma Guardian is part of a larger framework of defence collaboration between India and Japan, which also includes other joint exercises such as the Malabar naval exercise and the Shinyuu Maitri air force drills. These initiatives underscore the strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations and their commitment to enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

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