22 November, 2024; India-Japan Defence Ministers Meeting in Lao PDR: Strengthening Strategic Ties
In a significant step towards bolstering bilateral defence cooperation, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, General Nikatani, in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The meeting, which took place during a multilateral defence dialogue, underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Discussions
The two ministers engaged in extensive deliberations on enhancing defence collaboration between their nations. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, a region of shared strategic interest.
Both sides discussed strengthening cooperation through joint military exercises, information-sharing mechanisms, and technological advancements. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Defence and Security Partnership, which has been a cornerstone of India-Japan ties in recent years.
Regional Security and Strategic Importance
Given the current geopolitical landscape, both ministers highlighted the importance of a rules-based international order and mutual respect for sovereignty. Discussions also included countering emerging security challenges, including cyber threats and maritime security issues.
Rajnath Singh expressed India’s appreciation for Japan’s consistent support of India’s Act East Policy, which aligns with Tokyo’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision.
Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The meeting stressed collaborative measures under the Quad framework, involving India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. Both ministers acknowledged the Quad’s critical role in addressing regional and global challenges, such as disaster management, climate change, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties
The dialogue also explored avenues for further collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology transfer. India invited Japanese firms to actively participate in its Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, focusing on co-development and co-production of defence equipment.
Conclusion
The meeting between Rajnath Singh and General Nikatani in Lao PDR marks another milestone in the India-Japan strategic partnership. As two key players in the Indo-Pacific, India and Japan continue to reinforce their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous region. Their enhanced defence cooperation promises to contribute significantly to regional stability and global peace.
This high-level engagement demonstrates the growing trust and collaboration between New Delhi and Tokyo, paving the way for a stronger and more resilient partnership.
In a significant step towards bolstering bilateral defence cooperation, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, General Nikatani, in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The meeting, which took place during a multilateral defence dialogue, underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Discussions
The two ministers engaged in extensive deliberations on enhancing defence collaboration between their nations. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, a region of shared strategic interest.
Both sides discussed strengthening cooperation through joint military exercises, information-sharing mechanisms, and technological advancements. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Defence and Security Partnership, which has been a cornerstone of India-Japan ties in recent years.
Regional Security and Strategic Importance
Given the current geopolitical landscape, both ministers highlighted the importance of a rules-based international order and mutual respect for sovereignty. Discussions also included countering emerging security challenges, including cyber threats and maritime security issues.
Rajnath Singh expressed India’s appreciation for Japan’s consistent support of India’s Act East Policy, which aligns with Tokyo’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision.
Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The meeting stressed collaborative measures under the Quad framework, involving India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. Both ministers acknowledged the Quad’s critical role in addressing regional and global challenges, such as disaster management, climate change, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties
The dialogue also explored avenues for further collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology transfer. India invited Japanese firms to actively participate in its Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, focusing on co-development and co-production of defence equipment.
Conclusion
The meeting between Rajnath Singh and General Nikatani in Lao PDR marks another milestone in the India-Japan strategic partnership. As two key players in the Indo-Pacific, India and Japan continue to reinforce their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous region. Their enhanced defence cooperation promises to contribute significantly to regional stability and global peace.
This high-level engagement demonstrates the growing trust and collaboration between New Delhi and Tokyo, paving the way for a stronger and more resilient partnership.
