India-Japan Alliance Strengthens Indo-Pacific Peace with Robust Defence Collaboration

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights India and Japan's crucial role in Indo-Pacific security, marking 2023 as a milestone for bilateral defence cooperation. This year celebrated joint exercises across all military services and a focus on defence technology collaboration between the nations.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized the pivotal role of India and Japan as 'important guards' of the Indo-Pacific region, declaring their partnership crucial for the area's peace and stability. Singh applauded the growing bilateral and defence cooperation between the two nations in recent years.

During a press briefing following the 2+2 ministerial meeting, Singh expressed delight in co-hosting the third edition of the India-Japan Dialogues in India. He appreciated the delegates' commitment to enhancing the special strategic and global partnership, noting the significance of this year as the nations celebrate a decade of this alliance. Singh highlighted 2023 as a landmark year, with joint exercises conducted across all three military services for the first time.

Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara also commended the defence exercises and discussed cooperation on defence equipment and technology, including the United Combined Radio Antenna (UNICORN). Both leaders emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region's stability, with Singh envisioning a self-reliant India by 2047, supported by defence technology collaboration with Japan. This partnership is set to bolster India's goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub.

(With inputs from agencies.)