Dimapur, Oct. 31 (EMN): The second edition of the bilateral annual military exercise” Dharma Guardian - 2019” between the Indian and the Japanese armies concluded on Thursday at the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) Vairengte in Mizoram.
In a 13-day joint exercise, the Japanese contingent was represented by 34th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division of Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF), while the Indian side was represented by a battalion of the Dogra Regiment in the joint exercise that commenced on October 19.
The concluding programme was presided over by General Goro Yuasa, chief of staff, Japanense Ground Self Defence Forces and Lieutenant General Rajeev Sirohi, GOC, 3 Corps, informed an update from PRO (Defence).
The primary focus of the exercise was to train and equip the contingents in counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.
The entire curriculum was planned in a progressive manner wherein the participants familiarised with each others’ organisation, weapons and combat skills before graduating to joint tactical exercises, it informed.
As part of the exercise, lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations were conducted.
Both the armies also shared their experiences in countering such situations as also drills and procedures for joint operations. The exercise culminated with a 72 hours validation phase.
Besides fostering mutual understanding and trust, the event marks reaffirmation of India and Japan to further bolster bilateral security and defence cooperation, it said.
