I. Introduction to Exercise Dharma Guardian

- The Exercise Dharma Guardian is a notable joint military manoeuvre between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force.

- The 5th edition of this exercise commenced on 25th February and will culminate on 9th March 2024 at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

- Conceived as an annual exercise, the Dharma Guardian is alternately conducted in India and Japan.

II. Aims and Objectives: Enhancing Joint Operations

- The main goal of Exercise Dharma Guardian is to foster military cooperation and augment combined proficiency to carry out joint operations in a semi-urban environment.

- It is organised under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

- It encourages high physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic special arms skills.

III. Activities and Drills: Building Tactical Prowess

- Several rigorous drills are part of this exercise. These include the formulation of an ISR grid, the establishment of a temporary operational base, setting up mobile vehicle checkpoints, implementing cordon and search operations, and conducting heliborne operations and house intervention drills.

IV. Impact on Defense Cooperation and Bilateral Relations

- The exercise is instrumental in strengthening defence cooperation and bilateral ties by nurturing camaraderie and encouraging the sharing of best practices in tactical operations.

V. Display of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Initiative

- The exercise will feature a Weapon and Equipment Display that showcases the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative - a testament to India's growing defence industrial capability.

VI. Other Bilateral Defence Exercises between India and Japan

- Apart from Dharma Guardian, the defence forces of India and Japan also engage in other bilateral exercises. These include JIMEX (naval), the Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise), 'Veer Guardian' and SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force).

GK Insights:

- Exercise Dharma Guardian plays a crucial part in the United Nations’ mission of maintaining international peace and security under Chapter VII of its Charter.

- The Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative underscores India's self-resilience in defence manufacturing and industrial capability.

- The inclusion of other bilateral defence exercises like JIMEX, the Malabar exercise, 'Veer Guardian', and SHINYUU Maitri highlights the extensive nature of Indo-Japanese defence cooperation.

In conclusion, Exercise Dharma Guardian 2024 underscores the strengthening defence cooperation between India and Japan while underscoring their commitment to global peacekeeping and security missions under the United Nations Charter. With an emphasis on ideal tactical practices and high physical fitness, the exercise bolsters the combined capabilities of both nations to execute joint operations effectively.