India and Japan to Conduct 6th Edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ at Mount Fuji
The Indian Army is set to participate in the sixth edition of the joint military exercise Dharma Guardian with Japan, scheduled to take place at Mount Fuji from February 25 to March 9, 2025.
In a post on X, the Indian Army highlighted that the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both nations. This announcement follows the visit of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi to Japan in October 2024.
*”The 6th edition of the Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian, between India and Japan, will be conducted at Mount Fuji, Japan, from 25 February to 09 March 2025. The exercise aims to strengthen coordination between the two forces in joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate.
Building upon the momentum of the COAS’s successful visit to Japan from 14 to 17 October 2024, Dharma Guardian 2025 will further enhance bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations,”* the Indian Army stated on X.
The previous edition of the annual exercise was held in Rajasthan. Dharma Guardian represents the growing military partnership between India and Japan, emphasizing their shared commitment to operational synergy and deeper defense ties.
The training sessions will focus on improving both armies’ skills in counter-terrorism strategies and disaster response operations. By engaging in this collaborative effort, India and Japan aim to exchange best practices, foster mutual trust, and strengthen camaraderie between their respective armed forces.
Additionally, Dharma Guardian contributes to regional stability, reinforcing both countries’ efforts to maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Apart from Dharma Guardian, India and Japan also conduct other joint military engagements such as the Malabar naval exercise, Shinnyu Maitri, and the first counter-terrorism exercise between the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the Indian Army. Furthermore, naval drills between the Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), as well as joint operations with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), highlight the expanding defense cooperation between the two nations.
