India and Japan today reiterated their commitment to promote a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. During the 8th Defence Policy Dialogue held in Tokyo, Japan, the two countries held comprehensive discussions on the prevailing regional and global security environment and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the Japanese delegation was led by Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji.
During the dialogue, both sides reviewed the significant progress made in bilateral defence cooperation since the previous Defence Policy Dialogue. The two sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation in emerging domains, including defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security, space, and other areas of shared strategic interest.
The dialogue reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence engagements, including military-to-military exchanges, co-operation between joint headquarters, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building, defence equipment and technology cooperation including maritime technology, and enhanced institutional interactions.
Both sides welcomed the steady expansion of defence cooperation and underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms. They discussed probable outcomes for the forthcoming ministerial visits, including 2+2 later this year.
The defence secretary appreciated Japan’s continued engagement with India in the defence sector and highlighted the importance of strengthening practical cooperation under the framework of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Mr. Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further expanding defence ties with India across priority areas.
Earlier in the day, Defence secretary called on Japanese Minister of Defence Mr Shinjiro Koizumi, and conveyed greetings of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both sides reaffirmed the growing momentum of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
