India, Japan Hold 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, Review Bilateral Defence Cooperation

New Delhi, Jul 14 (KNN) India and Japan held the 8th India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on July 13, reviewing the progress of bilateral defence cooperation and discussing regional and global security developments as part of efforts to strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Japanese Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji. 

Both sides reviewed cooperation across military-to-military exchanges, joint headquarters engagement, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building, defence equipment and technology collaboration, including maritime technologies, and institutional interactions.

The two countries also discussed the regional and global security environment and explored cooperation in emerging areas such as defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security and space. 

They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific based on respect for international law.

The delegations welcomed the continued expansion of bilateral defence ties and discussed preparations for upcoming ministerial engagements, including the India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue scheduled later this year.

During his visit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also called on Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, conveyed greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and extended an invitation for the Japanese minister to visit India. Earlier, he paid tribute at the Japan Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo.

(KNN Bureau)