India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian signals growing strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific
The conclusion of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 marks a significant milestone in the defense partnership between India and Japan. The exercise featured Japanese aircraft operating from Indian soil and highlighted growing interoperability between the two nations.
Why it matters
Strengthened military ties between India and Japan are a key component of the Indo-Pacific security architecture and the Quad alliance.
The successful conclusion of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 has once again put the spotlight on just how far the India-Japan defence relationship has come, evolving from routine military exchanges into a genuinely comprehensive strategic partnership spanning operational cooperation, defence technology, maritime security and emerging military capabilities.This latest edition carried added weight because Japanese fighter aircraft operated from Indian soil for the very first time, a genuine milestone in the growing military engagement between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
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