The India–Japan joint military exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 is set to be held at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, from February 24 to March 9. Conducted annually on an alternating basis between the two countries, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), particularly in joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
According to the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, the two-week engagement will focus on joint planning, synchronised tactical drills, and specialised combat training. Activities include establishing a temporary operating base, building an ISR grid, setting up mobile check posts, conducting cordon and search operations, heliborne missions, and house intervention drills.
The sixth edition was held in 2025 at the East Fuji Manoeuvre Training Area, involving 120 Indian personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, alongside troops from other arms and services. The JGSDF contingent of similar strength was represented by the 34th Infantry Regiment. The fifth edition took place in Rajasthan in 2024.
Dharma Guardian underscores the deepening India–Japan defence partnership, supported by mechanisms such as the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and logistics agreements operationalised during MILAN.
