New Delhi: The Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JSDF) is looking at improving its counterterrorism skills during the latest round of the annual bilateral exercise that it conducts with the Indian Army even as both sides continue to get strategically closer under the Indo-Pacific framework.
The Indian Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force will be conducting a joint military field training exercise – Dharma Guardian 22 – from February 17 till March 2 to further its strategic ties under the Indo-Pacific construct.
Troops of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and an Infantry Regiment from the Middle Army of the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) are participating in the exercise this year "to share experiences gained during operations in order to enhance interoperability in planning and execution", the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
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The exercise will be conducted at Camp Imazu in Shiga province of Japan from February 17 to March 2. The Indian Army contingent reached Camp Imazu on February 12, and was received by the JGSDF with the slogan: “Welcome to Japan! Fighter Together!”
“The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducts the bilateral field training exercise Dharma Guardian 22 with the Indian Army outlined below to contribute to realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” said a statement issued by JSDF.
Dharma Guardian 22 A First Of Its Kind
The Indo-Pacific strategic construct is primarily aimed at curbing China’s growing military manoeuvres in the region. India and Japan are also members of the Quad along with the US and Australia. The two navies also jointly exercise under the Malabar Naval Exercise.
“The JGSDF will improve its counterterrorism tactical skills by conducting field training exercises with the Indian Army and further strengthen cooperation between the Japan Self-Defense Force and the Indian Army,” the JGSDF statement added.
Dharma Guardian 22 is the first field training exercise conducted with the Indian Army in Japan.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the joint exercise will enable the two armies “to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations under a UN Mandate, in addition to developing interoperability, bonhomie, camaraderie and friendship between the two armies”.
“The training will focus primarily on a high degree of physical fitness and sharing of drills at the tactical level. During the exercise, participants will engage in a variety of missions ranging from joint planning, joint tactical drills, basics of establishing integrated surveillance grids, including employment of aerial assets,” it said.
The ministry added that the joint exercise “will facilitate both armies to know each other better, share their wide experiences and enhance their situational awareness”.
Just last month India and Japan carried out their maiden exercise between both the air forces, called the ‘Veer Guardian’, to showcase their combined air power.