New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Defence of Japan Gen Nakatani here, and both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasised the need for global cooperation in this regard.
Rajnath condemned Pakistan’s state policy of cross-border terrorism against India, perpetrated through state and non-state actors, a Defence Ministry statement said.
He said that such attacks destabilise regional peace and security. Singh called for a unified stand against terrorism and the state-sponsored actions that perpetuate it.
The Japanese Defence Minister expressed his condolences for the tragic terrorist attack which took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, and offered full support to India.
Both the Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening the bilateral relations and contributing towards regional peace.
The Ministers welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defence exercises and exchanges between the two countries, and concurred to enhance the scope and complexity of these engagements. Both leaders also agreed to add new dimensions to the robust maritime cooperation between India and Japan.
Rajnath outlined the capability of Indian defence industry particularly its potential to collaborate with the Japanese side on new areas including tank engines and aero engines. He highlighted the capabilities in the areas of maintenance repair and overhaul operations.
Both sides agreed to enhance industry cooperation, including exploring collaboration in niche domains such as automation and Artificial Intelligence. The two Ministers also decided to take forward the cooperation in emerging areas like cyber and space.
India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has further gained qualitative momentum after the elevation of this collaboration to Special Strategic & Global Partnership in 2014. The dialogue ended with strong commitment by both sides to enhance the bilateral defence cooperation.
Earlier, Gen Nakatani laid a wreath at National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour prior to the dialogue at Manekshaw Centre.
UNI
