INDIA-JAPAN JOINT EXERCISE 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' COMMENCES IN CHAUBATTIA, UTTARAKHAND

• Exercise Dharma Guardian is the annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), conducted alternately in India and Japan.
• The 7th edition (2026) commenced on 24 February 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, running till 9 March 2026.
• Relevant for UPSC under India-Japan Special Strategic & Global Partnership, Indo-Pacific security architecture, and bilateral defence exercises (frequently asked in Prelims).