The Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar met Foreign Minister of Japan Mr. Fumio Kishida today. Foreign Minister Kishida emphasized commonality of strategic interests between Japan and India and conveyed Japan’s desire to enhance bilateral defence and security cooperation including in the field of maritime security. Mr. Kishida said that Japan would like to further enhance economic cooperation with India and work jointly to enhance regional connectivity. Parrikar welcomed Japan’s initiative to strengthen bilateral ties and said that Japan is a privileged partner of India in ‘Make in India’ including in defence equipment and technology sector. India considers relations with Japan very important, which is evident from the fact that he chose Japan as the first country to visit after assuming office of Defence Minister.