Indo-Japan joint military exercise begins in Mizoram

GUWAHATI: The second edition of bilateral annual military ‘Exercise Dharma Guardian – 2019’ between Indian and Japan Army commenced on Saturday at the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) at Vairengte in Mizoram .


Defence PRO Lt Col P Khngsai said that the Japanese contingent is represented by 34th Infantry Regiment, 1st Div of Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF), while the Indian side is represented by a battalion of the Dogra Regiment.

“Twenty-five soldiers from the battalions are participating in this joint exercise. The aim of exercise is joint training of troops in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations in both mountainous terrain. Exercise Dharma Guardian – 2019 will further cement the long-standing strategic ties between India and Japan,” the PRO said.

As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency and counterterrorism operations will 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 culminate with a 72 hours validation phase which will test the skills of soldiers in conducting joint operations in a counterterrorism scenario.