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Rajnath Singh to host Japanese counterpart in Delhi, discuss defence cooperation

Rajnath Singh to host Japanese counterpart in Delhi, discuss defence cooperation

India Today04-05-2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, in New Delhi on Monday. During the meeting, the two leaders will exchange views on regional and global security issues and explore ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, according to a government statement issued on Sunday."India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has further gained qualitative momentum after the elevation of this collaboration to Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security are important pillars of the ties between the two countries," the defence ministry statement added.advertisementThe prevalent geopolitical scenario in the Indian subcontinent following the Pahalgam attack is expected to find considerable space during the talks between Rajnath Singh and Gen Nakatani. The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to boost India-Japan defence industrial cooperation.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vowing his full support and said that the two countries stood united against terrorism.Monday's discussions will be the second meeting between the Indian and the Japanese defence ministers after they previously met on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting in Laos.In the November meeting, Rajnath Singh and Gen Nakatani discussed a reciprocal provision of supply and service agreement aimed at boosting interoperability between the two militaries.If the reciprocal supply and services pact goes ahead, it will pave the way for both countries to use each other's military bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, while also providing a boost to the overall bilateral defence cooperation.advertisementThe representatives of both nations are also expected to review the situation in the strategic waters of the East and South China Seas, where Beijing has been enhancing its military presence."Defence exchanges between India and Japan have gained strength in recent years due to the growing convergence on strategic matters. Its significance is increasing from the common outlook on issues of peace, security, and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region," the government said ahead of the crucial defence meet.As constant war rhetoric between India and Pakistan gains momentum, countries around the world have appealed to them to ease tensions and avoid further escalation.Must Watch
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