The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Dalbir Singh will embark on a four day goodwill visit to Japan . The visit assumes special significance in light of the increasing defence cooperation between the two countries. The visit is part of the ongoing High Level Exchanges between the two countries.
India’s relations with Japan have undergone a significant transformation since the establishment of the India-Japan Global partnership for the 21st Century in Aug 2000 and the enhancement of its status to a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ during the PM’s visit to Japan in Sep 2014. Defence and Security Cooperation have emerged as a key component of this strategic partnership.
The Defence Cooperation between the two countries has been characterized by cooperation in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, exchange of training courses, exchanges at the functional level and cooperation in United Nations Peace Keeping Operations. Both sides have indicated a desire to further enhance cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.
During his four days visit, the COAS is scheduled to interact with senior officials of Japanese Self Defense Forces and Ministry of Defence to discuss a wide range of issues to enhance military cooperation. He will also visit training establishments and Formation Headquarters. The visit will further cement the longstanding ties between India and Japan, which are based on a shared commitment towards world peace and regional security.