Japanese Vice Defence Minister calls on Rajnath Singh

New Delhi: Japanese Vice Defence Minister for International Affairs Oka Masami called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on April 6, 2023.

During the meeting, Mr Oka briefed the Minister on the discussions held during the 7th Defence Policy Dialogue, which he co-chaired with Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi on April 5, 2023.

The visiting dignitary reiterated Japan's keenness to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation, including collaboration in defence equipment and technology.

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.

Mr Oka was also accompanied by the Ambassador of Japan to India Mr Suzuki Hiroshi, who thanked the Minister for the impetus provided by his strong and positive leadership towards strengthening the bilateral defence ties. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane was also present on the occasion.

In the 7th Defence Policy Dialogue yesterday, wide range of issues, including Service-level exercises and engagements, regional security issues and cooperation in defence equipment & technology, were discussed during the meet. The Japanese Vice Minister also presented policy updates from their recently released National Security Strategy and National Defence Strategy.

Both the countries appreciated the growing cooperation between the Services through Staff talks and exercises. They welcomed the conduct of inaugural fighter exercise 'Veer Guardian' between the Indian Air Force and Japanese Air Self Defence Force in January this year in Japan.

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