Marking a new high in India-Japan strategic defence cooperation, the 6th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ successfully concluded at the East Fuji Training Area, Japan on 9th March 2025. Conducted from February 24 to March 9, 2025, the exercise reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between two great Indo-Pacific powers, fortifying their ability to combat modern security threats with unmatched coordination and expertise.
Lieutenant General Toriumi Seiji, Commanding General of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) 1st Division, commended the bravery, professionalism, and combat prowess displayed by Indian and Japanese troops. He highlighted that the exercise bolstered operational readiness, enhanced interoperability, and deepened the Indo-Japanese defence alliance, reinforcing the two nations’ shared commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Security with Joint Warfare Tactics
The exercise was conducted on an expanded scale at the company-strength level, reflecting the growing depth of military collaboration between New Delhi and Tokyo. Designed to hone counter-terrorism capabilities in urban warfare scenarios, the exercise also included drills for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO), Humanitarian Assistance, and Disaster Relief (HADR), further strengthening the ability of both forces to execute joint operations effectively.
The climax of the training was a grueling 72-hour validation phase, where elite Indian and Japanese troops executed a simulated joint counter-terrorism operation. The high-intensity exercise featured heli-borne insertions, slithering, and precision storming operations, showcasing the troops’ tactical superiority and mission readiness.
Warrior Cultures Unite: A Celebration of Tradition and Brotherhood
Beyond the battlefield, the age-old martial traditions of India and Japan came together, fostering deeper camaraderie and cultural exchange. The Indian contingent led a special Yoga session for Japanese soldiers, promoting India's timeless philosophy of mind-body discipline. The warriors of the Indian Army also showcased Kalari Pattu, one of the world's oldest martial arts, while the Japanese troops exhibited their traditional combat techniques, strengthening the historical connection between the two nations’ warrior legacies.
A Resilient Partnership for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Dharma Guardian 2025 is more than just a military exercise, it is a symbol of India and Japan’s unwavering commitment to defending sovereignty, upholding regional stability, and countering emerging security threats. Both nations, as pillars of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, continue to stand strong against forces that threaten global peace and security.
With defence collaboration reaching new heights, ‘Dharma Guardian’ paves the way for future joint training programs, advanced technology exchanges, and enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms. As India and Japan march forward with unshakable resolve and strategic trust, their partnership emerges as a powerful force for stability, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. (PR)