India–Japan joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’

Current Context: The 7th edition of Dharma Guardian was hosted at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia (Uttarakhand) from 24 Feb – 8 Mar 2026, continuing the tradition since its launch in 2018.

• It brought together the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), highlighting the growing military synergy between the two nations.
• The exercise focused on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and joint tactical drills in semi-urban and jungle terrain, simulating real-world operational challenges.
• Troops practiced joint planning, surveillance, and coordinated assaults, enhancing interoperability, communication, and mutual trust.
• Strategically, it strengthens the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, reinforcing their shared vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
• Symbolically, Dharma Guardian reflects deepening defence diplomacy, complementing naval (JIMEX) and air force (Shinyuu Maitri) exercises, making India–Japan cooperation truly tri-service in scope.

Question:

Q.1 Exercise Dharma Guardian is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
a) Japan
b) Australia
c) United States
d) South Korea

Answer: a) The exercise is conducted between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to enhance bilateral military cooperation.