- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Japan’s Defence Minister, General Nakatani, in New Delhi on Monday. The two leaders reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening defence cooperation and jointly addressing regional security challenges, notably terrorism.
The meeting took place just days after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 civilian casualties. General Nakatani expressed his solidarity with India and extended Japan’s full support in the fight against terrorism.
Post-meeting, Singh shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the discussions covered defence collaboration and regional security. He highlighted that both nations condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasized the importance of enhanced joint efforts to combat cross-border threats. Singh also noted Nakatani’s support for India following the Pahalgam attack.
The talks primarily focused on regional and international security issues, exploring ways to reinforce cooperation in defence and strategic initiatives. This was the second meeting between the two ministers in the past six months, the first having taken place during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Laos in November 2024.
Earlier in the day, Nakatani was honoured with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Delhi’s Manekshaw Centre, where Singh personally received him and both exchanged warm greetings.
The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized the deepening long-term friendship between India and Japan, which has gained momentum since the partnership was elevated to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in 2014. Defence and security are key pillars of this relationship.
It also highlighted the increasing convergence of strategic interests, especially regarding maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that defence exchanges have strengthened due to shared outlooks on regional security.
The meeting occurred amid rising tensions along the Line of Control in Kashmir, where Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire multiple times over the past 11 days, with recent firing reported in multiple areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, and others during the night of May 4-5.
