Why is it in the news?

• The 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India, strengthening military cooperation between India and Japan.
• ‘Dharma Guardian’ is a bilateral military exercise conducted alternatively in India and Japan, with the 2024 edition taking place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.

More about the news

• The Japanese contingent participating in the exercise consists of soldiers from the 34th Infantry Regiment, while the Indian Army contingent comprises a battalion of the prestigious Rajputana Rifles.
• In addition to strengthening military ties, the exercise aims to showcase India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the nation’s growing defence industrial capabilities, underscoring self-reliance and indigenous defence manufacturing.
• Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is conducted annually, providing regular opportunities for both Indian and Japanese forces to refine their joint operational capabilities and deepen military-to-military cooperation.
• The primary objective of the exercise is to foster closer military cooperation between India and Japan, enhancing their combined capabilities to execute joint operations, particularly in semi-urban environments as outlined under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• It also seeks to develop inter-operability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between the participating troops, facilitating smoother coordination and collaboration during joint military endeavors.
• The exercise encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at enhancing operational readiness and mutual understanding between the two forces.

Focus areas include:

• High-level physical fitness training to ensure troops are prepared for demanding operational scenarios.
• Joint planning exercises to synchronize strategies and tactics between Indian and Japanese forces.
• Specialized weapons skills training to improve proficiency in handling advanced weaponry and equipment.
• Sharing best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for conducting tactical operations, enabling both sides to learn from each other’s experiences and refine their operational methodologies.