India-Japan
Big defence push: India, Japan eye closer cooperation in cyber, space and technology
India and Japan held the 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on Monday, during which the two sides reviewed the significant progress made in bilateral defence cooperation since the previous meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, while the Japanese side was headed by Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji.
The two countries held comprehensive discussions on the prevailing regional and global security environment and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.
"The dialogue reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence engagements, including military-to-military exchanges, cooperation between joint headquarters, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building, defence equipment and technology cooperation, including maritime technology, and enhanced institutional interactions," a government statement said.
Both sides welcomed the steady expansion of defence cooperation and underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms.
They also discussed possible outcomes of forthcoming ministerial visits, including the 2+2 dialogue scheduled to be held later this year.
The two delegations explored ways to deepen cooperation in emerging domains, including defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cybersecurity, space and other areas of shared strategic interest.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing convergence between India and Japan on regional and global security issues and agreed to continue working closely in the Indo-Pacific.
They reiterated their commitment to promoting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region founded on respect for international law.
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.
Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan's commitment to further expanding defence ties with India across priority areas.
Earlier in the day, the Defence Secretary called on Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and conveyed greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both sides reaffirmed the growing momentum of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Singh also extended an invitation from Rajnath Singh to the Japanese Defence Minister to visit India at the earliest opportunity.
The Defence Secretary began his visit by laying a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their nation.
The visit underscored the deepening defence ties, mutual respect and shared commitment of India and Japan towards peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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