On Monday, India and Japan held the eighth Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, focusing on enhancing their growing defence collaboration. The discussions emphasized expanded cooperation in diverse areas, including the defence industry, cyber security, space, and advanced technologies.
The dialogue was spearheaded by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh from India and Kano Koji, Japan’s Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs. The talks provided an extensive review of both regional and global security environments, addressing topics of mutual strategic interest.
Key points discussed included the ongoing defence engagements involving military-to-military exchanges, cooperation between joint headquarters, maritime partnerships, bilateral and multilateral military exercises, capacity building, and collaboration on defence equipment and technology, particularly focusing on maritime affairs.
Strengthening High-Level Engagements
Both nations expressed their commitment to steadily expanding their defence cooperation, emphasizing the necessity for regular high-level exchanges and continuous institutional dialogues. The discussions also touched upon the preparations for upcoming ministerial engagements, including the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, which is scheduled for later this year.
Shared Strategic Vision
In addition to defence collaboration, India and Japan sought to bolster their cooperation in areas such as defence industrial collaboration and technological innovation. Reiterating their shared vision for a stable Indo-Pacific, both countries committed to fostering a free, open, and rules-based regional order grounded in respect for international law.
During his visit, Mr. Singh paid a courtesy call on Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan’s Defence Minister, and extended warm greetings from India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Furthermore, he invited his Japanese counterpart to visit India at the earliest opportunity, underlining the increasing momentum in bilateral defence relations and the significance of enhancing practical collaboration.
Tribute to Japanese Defence Forces
Earlier in the visit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh laid a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, honouring members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty.
This visit showcased the growing strategic alignment between India and Japan as both nations work to bolster their defence and security cooperation amidst the changing geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific.
