Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh co-chaired the Japan – India Defence Ministerial Meeting with Defence Minister of JapanMr Takeshi lwaya in Tokyo today. The dialogue discussed various issues of mutual concern including ways to further strengthen the existing bilateral co-operative arrangements and adopt new initiatives towards achieving peace and security in the region.

The lndo-Pacific vision was discussed at length with an expression of India’s preference for a rules-based order along with centrality of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and inclusiveness and security for all.The importance of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan in addressing regional peace, security and stability was also highlighted.

The Indian Defence Minister also discussed abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution and said talks and cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan cannot go together. He invited the participation of Japanese companies and other stakeholders at biennial DefExpo 2020 to be held in Lucknow.