Rajnath Singh speaks to Japanese Defence Minister over telephone

• Amid ongoing India-China standoff Rajnath Singh speaks to his Japanese counterpart over phone

• Both the ministers discussed issues relating to bilateral defence and security cooperation, an official release said

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday spoke to his Japanese counterpart Kishi Nobuo and discussed issues relating to bilateral defence and security cooperation, officials said. He congratulated Minister Kishi on his appointment as Minister of Defence and expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries in spite of the limitations imposed by COVID 19. "The two Ministers exchanged views on security situation in the region and the need for a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law. Both Ministers welcomed the successful conduct of JIMEX 2020, MALABAR 2020 and also the recent successful visit of Chief of Staff, JASDF to India" a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday evening said.

Singh also tweeted about his telephonic conversation with Nobuo. "We expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries. India is committed to further elevate engagements with Japan under the Special Strategic & Global partnership framework," he wrote on the microblogging site.

"They expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services in further promoting defence ties between the two countries.  During the telephonic conversation, the Ministers reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces under the framework of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership" the statement mentioned further.

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It is relevant to mention here that in the second week of December Japanese Air Force Chief Gen Shunji had visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart on bilateral cooperation. During his visit, Gen Shunji had also called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and held separate meetings with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen SK Saini.

"The Ministers agreed that in the recent past both countries have made notable strides in Defence Industry and Technology cooperation and look forward to even greater cooperation in this field" the statement concluded. Kishi Nobuo is the younger brother of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and a grandson of former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi.

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