New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi on August 20, with the two sides expected to discuss ways to further deepen defence and security cooperation between India and Japan, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Koizumi, who is on his maiden visit to India, arrived in the country amid growing momentum in bilateral defence ties. His visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to strengthen strategic trust, enhance cooperation and identify new areas of collaboration in defence and security.
During the meeting, the two Defence Ministers are expected to exchange views on strengthening maritime security cooperation and expanding collaboration in defence equipment and technology under the ‘Make-in-India’ framework.
The discussions assume significance following Japan’s revision of its Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology, which could open up further opportunities for defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries. The meeting is also expected to focus on developing a roadmap for advancing bilateral defence and security cooperation.
Ahead of his meeting with Rajnath Singh, Koizumi visited the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command in Mumbai on August 19. During the visit, 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 delegation was briefed on the roles, responsibilities and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. Koizumi also inspected a Guard of Honour at the Western Naval Command and laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh at the Naval Dockyard.
As part of his visit, the Japanese Defence Minister also visited the indigenous Indian Navy warship INS Chennai, highlighting the growing focus on maritime cooperation and indigenous defence capabilities.
India and Japan share a common vision of a free, open, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Defence and maritime security have emerged as key pillars of the India-Japan strategic partnership, with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation amid an evolving regional security environment.
Notably, Koizumi’s visit comes weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to New Delhi for the Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the summit, the two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in defence and security, providing additional momentum to the bilateral strategic partnership.
The two-day visit by the Japanese Defence Minister is expected to reinforce the growing convergence between India and Japan on regional security and create new avenues for defence technology, maritime cooperation and defence industrial collaboration.
