Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi on Thursday, with the two sides expected to discuss ways to further strengthen defence and security cooperation between India and Japan.
The meeting is expected to focus on enhancing strategic trust, expanding bilateral cooperation and promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The two Ministers are also likely to identify new areas of collaboration.
The talks will include discussions on deeper maritime security cooperation and closer collaboration in defence equipment and technology under the ‘Make-in-India’ framework.
The meeting assumes significance following Japan’s revision of its Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology. The two sides are expected to explore ways to build a roadmap for further advancing bilateral defence and security cooperation.
Koizumi, who is on his maiden visit to India, visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai on Wednesday. He held discussions with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan.
The Japanese Defence Minister was briefed on the roles, responsibilities and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Upon his arrival at the Western Naval Command, Koizumi inspected a Guard of Honour. He also laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh at the Naval Dockyard and visited the indigenous Indian Navy warship INS Chennai.
India and Japan share a common vision of building a free, open, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Koizumi’s two-day visit reflects the growing momentum in India-Japan defence cooperation and the commitment of both sides to further expand their strategic partnership.
