The exercise, which ran from February 24 to March 9, focused on counter-terrorism operations in urban environments. It served as an important milestone in strengthening defense ties between India and Japan. Soldiers engaged in tactical training, exchanged operational knowledge and built lasting bonds of trust and cooperation.Beyond military drills, the exercise also fostered cultural exchange. Indian soldiers organised a special yoga session for their Japanese counterparts, and showcased the traditional martial art Kalaripayattu, while Japanese soldiers demonstrated their own martial arts techniques. The exercise concluded with an intense 72-hour validation phase, where troops from both nations demonstrated their capabilities in a joint counter- terrorism operation. This included specialised tactics such as helicopter infiltration, slithering, and storming operations, successfully meeting the set operational standards, an Indian Army statement said. It reaffirmed India’s shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability. It underscored the importance of defense collaboration in an evolving security landscape. It further strengthened their long-standing strategic partnership.