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Amidst the changing strategic scenario in the Indo-Pacific region, India and Japan have given a clear message to further strengthen their defense and maritime security cooperation. On Tuesday, India’s Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force naval base in Hiroshima. Here in Japan, he inspected the seventh ‘Mogami’ class state-of-the-art stealth frigate ‘Niyodo’ and met Vice Admiral Matsumoto Tamotsu, Commandant of Kure District.

It is noteworthy that a day before the Indian Defense Secretary reached Hiroshima, the eighth round of defense policy dialogue between India and Japan was organized in Tokyo. Both countries reiterated their resolve to further advance their partnership in maritime security, defense cooperation and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the high-level talks held on July 13, the Indian delegation was led by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Japanese delegation was led by Kano Koji, Deputy Minister of Defense for International Affairs.

The meeting reviewed the progress made in the field of defense cooperation since the last talks between the two countries. Also, both the countries agreed to further strengthen the special strategic and global partnership. The Defense Secretary started his visit to Japan by laying a wreath at the Self Defense Force Memorial Stone in Tokyo. He paid tribute to the Japanese soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country.

This step is being considered a symbol of growing trust and mutual respect between the two countries. After this they reached Kure naval base in Hiroshima. Here the Defense Secretary directly observed the capabilities of the Japanese Navy.

The Mogami class stealth warships are considered an important part of Japan’s modern naval power. The visit of this warship reflects the growing naval cooperation between India and Japan and deepening ties in the field of maritime security.

Experts believe that the partnership between India and Japan is becoming increasingly important in ensuring the security of sea lanes, rules-based order and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit of the Defense Secretary is being considered as another important link in this growing strategic cooperation.

The Defense Ministry believes that the visit not only reflects the strength of defense ties between the two countries, but also signals that India and Japan are ready to play a more coordinated role in maritime security, military cooperation and regional stability in the years to come.