Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi inspected the ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Thursday in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, as India and Japan continued efforts to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation.
Koizumi, who is on a two-day official visit to India, also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid tribute to Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.
The Japanese Defence Minister arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for his maiden official visit to India.
His programme began with a Guard of Honour at the Western Naval Command, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Gaurav Stambh at the Naval Dockyard.
Koizumi also visited the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai, where he received briefings on the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, roles and regional responsibilities.
He held discussions with Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahajan Vatsayan.
The visit comes as both countries seek to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in maritime security and defence technology.
Rajnath Singh is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Koizumi in New Delhi, with the talks expected to focus on strengthening strategic trust, defence cooperation and regional security.
The Defence Ministry said the two sides will discuss deeper maritime security cooperation and closer collaboration in defence equipment and technology under India’s Make-in-India framework.
The discussions are also expected to consider opportunities created by Japan’s revised Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology.
India and Japan share a common interest in maintaining a free, open, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The two defence ministers are expected to identify new areas of cooperation and develop a roadmap for further strengthening bilateral defence and security ties.
The visit reflects the growing strategic importance of India-Japan defence cooperation at a time when maritime security and regional stability remain key priorities across the Indo-Pacific.
Koizumi’s visit follows Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to India in July for the 16th Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During that summit, India and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including defence, artificial intelligence and clean energy. The two countries also discussed expanding Japanese investment in India over the coming decade.
The defence minister’s visit therefore provides another opportunity to translate the broader strategic understanding between the two countries into practical cooperation in defence, maritime security and technology.
