India and Japan to enhance defence cooperation

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) India and Japan today reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing defence cooperation and sharing information in the joint fight against global terror.

During discussions here, Defence Minister A K Antony and his Japanese counterpart Yuriko Koike expressed happiness at the enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries in the recent years.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing this cooperation in various fields like maritime security, research and development and exchange of information on technology aspects.

Japan is participating in the multilateral naval exercise 'Malabar' scheduled to be held early next month.

The Japanese Defence Minister informed Minister Antony about the role played by Japan in the fight against international terrorism.

The latter, sharing the views of his counterpart, also emphasised upon the need to combat terrorism of any kind.

As part of bilateral defence cooperation, Japan is sending its military officers for training in Indian Defence institutions like the National Defence College. Japan also invited Indian representatives to participate in the Tokyo Defence Forum.

Earlier in the day, Ms Koike paid homage to the martyrs at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' and was accorded a ceremonial inter-services Guard of Honour at the Defence headquarters. The three Service Chiefs also called on the visiting dignitary.

Mr Antony had hosted dinner in the honour of Ms Koike last evening shortly after she arrived here.

UNI