India-Japan defence partnership vital to ensure free, open Indo-Pacific: Govt
New Delhi, August 19
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa arrived here on Monday to hold the third India-Japan ‘2+2’ dialogue that is expected to review the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and explore ways to expand bilateral strategic ties.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold talks with their Japanese counterparts Kihara Minoru and Kamikawa on Tuesday. “Strengthened India-Japan defence partnership is vital for ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific in the prevailing global environment,” India's Defence Ministry said.
The two sides are expected to delve into further expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in the face of China’s increasing military muscle-flexing in the region. The first edition of the dialogue was held in India in 2019, while the second one took place in Japan in 2022. Besides the ‘2+2’ dialogue, Singh and Jaishankar will also hold separate bilateral talks on Tuesday. — PTI
