New Delhi [India]: India and Japan convened the 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi from March 6 to 7, 2025, to advance their defence cooperation. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the annual Defence Cooperation Plan, the ongoing Exercise Dharma Guardian, military education, and collaboration in niche technologies and operational training.
The Indian Army’s ADG of Public Information shared details of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the strategic importance of these talks in strengthening military ties between the two nations.
#DefenceCoperation#India and #Japan held the 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks, #AAST in New Delhi from 06 to 07 March 2025. Focus areas of the talks included the annual Defence Cooperation Plan, Exercise #DHARMAGUARDIAN, military education, domain expert exchanges, exploring… pic.twitter.com/y7QsTwIYPU
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 8, 2025
“India and Japan held the 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi from 06 to 07 March 2025. Focus areas of the talks included the annual Defence Cooperation Plan, Exercise Dharma Guardian, military education, domain expert exchanges, exploring collaboration in niche technologies, and operational training,” the ADG stated.
Key Highlights of the Talks
- Defence Cooperation Plan:
- Both sides discussed and outlined the annual Defence Cooperation Plan aimed at enhancing bilateral military ties.
- Exercise Dharma Guardian:
- The progress and outcomes of the ongoing 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian were reviewed. This exercise is a key component of Indo-Japan military cooperation.
- Military Education and Training:
- The two countries explored opportunities for domain expert exchanges and military education initiatives.
- Niche Technologies:
- Discussions included collaborations in niche technologies and operational training, focusing on counter-terrorism and urban warfare tactics.
- UN Peacekeeping Operations:
- The Japanese delegation was briefed on Indian Army’s United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and the training conducted by the Centre for UN Peacekeeping in India.
- Geostrategic Dialogue:
- Delegates also engaged in discussions with the Indian Army think tank, CLAWS (The Centre for Land Warfare Studies), on various geostrategic issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exercise Dharma Guardian: Enhancing Tactical Synergy
The 6th edition of the India-Japan joint military exercise, Dharma Guardian, is currently being held at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan from February 24 to March 9, 2025. This exercise highlights the deepening defence ties between the two nations and focuses on:
- Counter-Terrorism Operations:
- Training activities emphasize counter-terrorism tactics in urban terrains, which are increasingly critical in the current security environment.
- Simulated UN Peacekeeping Missions:
- Includes simulated UN peacekeeping operations to enhance interoperability and ensure effective collaboration in multinational missions.
- Sharing Combat Experiences:
- Troops are participating in a series of tactical drills and combat experience exchanges to strengthen operational capabilities.
Strengthening Defence Ties in the Indo-Pacific
The 7th AAST and Exercise Dharma Guardian signify a growing strategic partnership between India and Japan. The focus on joint operational capabilities, technological collaborations, and counter-terrorism strategies underscores the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.