New Delhi, Aug 19 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi here on Thursday, with the two sides expected to discuss ways to further deepen defence cooperation and enhance strategic trust between India and Japan.
The meeting is also likely to focus on maritime security cooperation and greater collaboration in defence equipment and technology under the ‘Make-in-India’ framework, following Japan’s revision of its principles governing the transfer of defence equipment and technology.
The talks are expected to provide an opportunity to draw up a roadmap for advancing bilateral defence and security cooperation and contribute to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Koizumi, who is on his maiden visit to India, visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai on Wednesday and 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 delegation 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 and earlier laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh at the Naval Dockyard. He also visited the indigenously-built guided missile destroyer INS Chennai.
India and Japan share a common vision of a free, open, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific, officials said.
The two-day visit of the Japanese Defence Minister comes amid growing momentum in bilateral defence ties and reflects the commitment of both countries to further expand their strategic partnership.
The visit follows Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent visit to New Delhi for the Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two sides agreed to further strengthen defence and security cooperation.(NVI)
