Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh co-chaired the Japan-India Defence Ministerial Meetingwith Defence Minister of JapanMr Takeshi lwaya in Tokyo today. The dialogue discussed various issues of mutual concern includingways 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.Furthermore, the two Ministers had free and frank discussionon the emerging regional security scenario.Raksha Mantri 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 participation of Japanese companies and other stakeholders at biennial DefExpo 2020 to be held in Lucknow.Later, Shri Rajnath Singh called on Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Shinzo Abe. During the meeting, Raksha Mantri praised the exceptional relationship between Mr Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Raksha Mantri apprised the Japanese Prime Minister on the contents of the discussion at the Defence Ministerial Dialogue.Shri Rajnath Singh also conveyed to the Prime Minister of Japan that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and abrogation of Article 370 benefits the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. He also said Pakistan has no locus standi in Jammu & Kashmir.There was a general understanding that more co-operation should be realised in Defence Equipment and Technology Co-operation. Prime Minister Mr Abe requested Raksha Mantri to convey his regards to Prime Minister Shri Modi whom he expects to meet on the sidelines of UNGA in New York later this month.Earlier, Shri Rajnath Singh paid homage to the martyrs of Japanese Self-Defense Forces at Ichigaya in Tokyo. He also inspected the Guard of Honour at Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Japan.