India and Japan Gear Up for Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025

Strengthening Ties Through Military Collaboration

India and Japan Gear Up for Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025: India and Japan are set to launch the sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian at Mount Fuji, Japan, from February 25 to March 9, 2025. This joint military initiative is more than just a tactical drill—it represents growing trust and defence synergy between the two nations. As regional security dynamics shift in the Indo-Pacific, the need for mutual coordination becomes all the more critical.

Tactical Training with a Global Mandate

This edition of Dharma Guardian will focus on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate. Soldiers from both countries will participate in high-intensity tactical manoeuvres, simulating realistic combat scenarios in urban environments. The goal is clear: to improve operational readiness and develop seamless interoperability during international peacekeeping missions.

Background and Strategic Importance

Dharma Guardian has become a hallmark of the India-Japan defence relationship. Following the Indian Army Chief’s visit to Japan in October 2024, this exercise symbolizes the deepening military ties. With both countries advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific, their collaboration is a step toward upholding global norms and regional stability.

Building Bonds Beyond the Battlefield

Beyond weapon drills and strategies, Exercise Dharma Guardian emphasizes cultural exchange. Troops engage in shared meals, traditional events, and group discussions to foster mutual respect. Understanding cultural nuances boosts morale and strengthens team cohesion, essential for joint operations in foreign territories.

Parallel Developments: Exercise Cyclone III

While Dharma Guardian unfolds in Japan, India is also participating in Exercise Cyclone III with Egypt. This operation involves Special Forces from both countries, focusing on desert warfare and rapid deployment. Such simultaneous exercises demonstrate India’s growing role in international defence diplomacy.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

Exercises like Dharma Guardian provide more than short-term tactical insights. They help both armies adopt modern strategies, strengthen bilateral relationships, and prepare for multi-nation cooperation in the face of global threats. The learnings feed directly into UN peacekeeping operations, improving coordination during humanitarian and counter-terror missions.

Static GK Snapshot: Exercise Dharma Guardian