Cebu (Philippines): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday reviewed bilateral defence cooperation and explored ways to strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership during a meeting in Cebu, Philippines.
Meeting on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, the ministers welcomed progress in maritime security, air force exchanges and defence industry engagement since their previous meeting in August.
Maritime discussions covered strengthening mine countermeasure capabilities and exploring joint development in naval shipbuilding and design by combining Japan’s technological expertise with India’s production capabilities.
The ministers noted that engagements, including the Indian Navy Vice Chief’s visit to Japan, had helped advance discussions on cooperation suited to both countries’ strategic and operational needs.
They also reviewed efforts to strengthen ties between their air services following the first visit to India by Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft for Exercise Veer Guardian 26. The Japanese air service’s Chief of Staff visited India in conjunction with the exercise.
Both sides welcomed the India-Japan Defence Industry Forum held at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, which brought together approximately 40 companies from the two countries.
The ministers agreed to accelerate discussions on convening the fourth India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting, known as the 2+2 dialogue, and a Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo later this year.
In a post on X, Singh described the talks as productive and said the two sides had reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new avenues for strengthening their partnership.
“Our shared commitment remains vital for a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
[DD news]