The second edition of the bilateral annual military Exercise Dharma Guardian — 2019 between the Indian and Japanese armies commenced at the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) at Vairengte, in Mizoram, on Saturday (October 19). The Japanese contingent is represented by the 34th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division of the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces (JGSDF), while the Indian side is represented by a battalion of the Dogra Regiment.
Twenty-five soldiers from the battalion are participating in this joint exercise. The aim of this exercise is joint training of troops in counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations on mountainous terrain. Exercise Dharma Guardian – 2019 will further cement the long-standing strategic ties between India and Japan.
As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations will also be conducted. Both the armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations as also refine drills and procedures for joint operations.
The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation phase, which will test the skills of the soldiers in conducting joint operations in a counter-terrorism scenario.
