Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi on Thursday, with the two sides expected to discuss ways to further strengthen defence and security cooperation, enhance strategic trust and identify new areas of collaboration.
The meeting is expected to focus on deeper maritime security cooperation and closer collaboration in defence equipment and technology under India’s ‘Make in India’ framework. The discussions assume added significance following Japan’s revision of its Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology, which could create new opportunities for bilateral defence-industrial cooperation.
The talks are also expected to provide a roadmap for advancing the India-Japan defence partnership while contributing to peace, stability and security in the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Koizumi, who is on his maiden visit to India, visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai on August 19, where 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 Defence Minister was briefed on the roles, responsibilities and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. He also inspected a Guard of Honour at the Western Naval Command and laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh at the Naval Dockyard. During his visit, Koizumi also visited the indigenously built Indian Navy warship INS Chennai.
India and Japan share a common vision of a free, open, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The Japanese Defence Minister’s two-day visit reflects the growing momentum in bilateral defence engagement and the commitment of both countries to expand strategic and security cooperation.
The visit comes weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited New Delhi for the Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two sides agreed to further deepen bilateral defence and security cooperation.
The upcoming talks between Singh and Koizumi are expected to reinforce the strategic partnership between India and Japan and give fresh impetus to cooperation in maritime security, defence technology, equipment production and broader Indo-Pacific security.
