The Indian Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) are training together at Camp Imazu in Shiga province, Japan, as part of the bilateral Exercise Dharma Guardian-2023. The Indian Army group arrived in Japan on February 12, and the fourth Exercise Dharma Guardian started with a ceremony on February 17 at the Aibano Field Firing Range. Notably, this is the first time that the DG series of exercises have ever been held in Japan.
About Exercise Dharma Guardian-2023
The exercise began on February 17 and will end on March 2. It will include joint training for platoon-level operations in jungle and semi-urban/urban terrain.
Warriors who take part in the annual exercise will talk about what they’ve learned from operations in order to improve planning and execution.
It will make it easier for the Indian Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces to work together on defence. This will improve the relationship between the two countries.
Troops participating in the drill
Japan is represented by an Infantry Regiment from the Middle Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and India is represented by the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army.
Importance of the Exercise Dharma Guardian-2023
Exercise Dharma Guardian-2023, which is part of a series of military training exercises that India has done with other countries, is especially important and important in light of the security problems that both countries face in the current world situation. The soldiers from both countries take part in the Exercise Dharma Guardian-2023 every year.
This year’s exercise is also important because, for the first time, the Indian Army has been invited by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force to train at the Aibano Maneuver Area in Shiga Prefecture to fight terrorism.
Strategic relation between India and Japan
India and Japan are partners in peace. They both want to keep Asia safe, stable, and prosperous, and they have similar goals and commitments when it comes to promoting international peace and fair development.
During the annual summit, the two countries also work together on issues like global security, protecting the environment, making sure there is enough energy, and doing joint military exercises against terrorism, among other things.
Cultural exchange
The joint military drill will not only help train soldiers for combat, but it will also help improve the cultures of both countries. People say that trade between the two countries started in the sixth century, when Buddhism came to Japan. Indian culture has had a big effect on Japanese culture, especially through Buddhism. This is why Japanese people feel like they are close to India.
