“India And Japan Must Continue To Expand The Scope Of Their Bilateral Cooperation,” Said Rajnath Singh

India supports Japan aiming for a free, open, and rule-based Indo-Pacific, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also emphasised that both nations must keep broadening the scope of their bilateral collaboration.

During a meeting, Singh explained this to Japan’s Deputy Minister of Defence for Foreign Affairs, Oka Masami. Oka is presently in India, mainly to take part in the seventh Defense Policy Dialogue.

Japan sees India as an “Indispensable partner”

The discussion took place on Wednesday, more than two weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited India and referred to it as Japan’s “indispensable partner” in the country’s pursuit of the lofty aim of Indo-Pacific peace, prosperity, and stability.

In order to strengthen their overall strategic partnership, India and Japan decided during the Defence Policy Dialogue to expand their defence cooperation into cutting-edge areas like cyber and space.

Also Read: Elections in J&K Coming Soon! Assumptions Made As ECI Proposes Visit In The UT

The noteworthy conversation

Oka reaffirmed Japan’s desire to advance bilateral defence cooperation, particularly cooperation in the sphere of defence equipment and technology, during the meeting with Singh, according to the defence ministry.

Rajnath Singh conveyed that, “India shares Japan’s vision for a free, open, secure and rules-based Indo-Pacific and stressed that both the countries must continue to expand the scope of their bilateral cooperation.”

Oka was also accompanied by the Ambassador of Japan to India, Suzuki Hiroshi who thanked Singh for the impetus provided by his “strong and positive” leadership towards strengthening the bilateral defence ties, the ministry said.