India and Japan held discussions on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation during a meeting between Indian Ambassador to Japan Nagma Mallick and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo on Friday. The talks focused on expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries amid growing emphasis on security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Indian Embassy in Japan said that Ambassador Mallick paid a courtesy call on Defence Minister Koizumi and exchanged views on opportunities to further enhance defence ties between the two nations. Japan's Ministry of Defence also highlighted the importance of India-Japan defence cooperation, stating that the partnership is essential not only for both countries but also for regional and global peace and stability.
The discussions come as India and Japan continue to deepen their strategic partnership across multiple defence areas. Both countries have been working to strengthen cooperation in military exchanges, maritime security, defence technology, cyber security, space cooperation and defence industrial collaboration.
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Earlier on July 13, India and Japan held the eighth Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, where both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence engagements. The discussions included military-to-military cooperation, joint exercises, capacity building, defence equipment collaboration and institutional-level interactions between the two countries.
During the dialogue, India and Japan expressed satisfaction over their growing alignment on regional and global security issues. The two sides reiterated their commitment to promoting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region based on international law and agreed to continue working closely on shared strategic concerns.
The latest meeting follows continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries. On July 16, Koizumi attended a reception hosted at the residence of Indian Ambassador Mallick, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence relations. The growing cooperation reflects the importance both nations attach to their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
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