New Delhi | August 20 | SKY LINK TIMES
Japan Defence Minister Hails Strong India Ties:
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Thursday praised the growing defence partnership between India and Japan, highlighting the Indian Navy’s timely assistance during a medical emergency involving a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessel as an example of the two countries’ close cooperation.
Speaking during his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, Koizumi said the incident demonstrated the strength of the bilateral relationship, where both countries support each other during difficult situations.
Table of Contents
Koizumi Thanks India for Support
In his opening remarks, Koizumi thanked Rajnath Singh for his condolences following the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Indian Navy during the medical emergency aboard a JMSDF vessel.
“This symbolises our cooperative relationship, where we help each other when we are in trouble,” Koizumi said.
The Japanese minister’s remarks came during his first official visit to India as Japan’s Defence Minister and highlighted the growing importance of defence cooperation between the two countries.
Japan Defence Minister Praises Indian Armed Forces
Koizumi also reflected on his visit to Mumbai, where he interacted with senior Indian Navy officials and visited the Western Naval Command and the indigenous destroyer INS Chennai.
He said the visit allowed him to witness first-hand the capabilities and morale of the Indian Armed Forces.
Koizumi travelled to Mumbai aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, accompanied by Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
“I was able to see first-hand the high capabilities and strong morale of the Indian Armed Forces,” he said, expressing appreciation for the opportunity.
Special Praise for Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
The Japanese Defence Minister also praised Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, describing him as an outstanding person both as an Admiral and as the host of his Mumbai and New Delhi engagements.
Koizumi said he had developed a special affinity for India and expressed his appreciation for the warm reception during his visit.
“I have a special place for India in my heart,” he said.
His remarks underline the growing personal and institutional ties between the defence establishments of the two countries.
Also Read:https://skylinktimes.in/rajnath-singh-to-meet-japan-defence-minister/
Koizumi Recalls 2018 India Visit
The Japanese minister also recalled his previous visit to India on August 6, 2018, when he travelled to the country with fellow members of Parliament and participated in a memorial ceremony for victims of the atomic bomb.
Koizumi noted that India is among the few countries outside Japan to hold such a ceremony annually and expressed his respect and gratitude for the tradition.
The reference highlighted the broader historical and people-to-people dimensions of India-Japan relations beyond defence and strategic cooperation.
India-Japan Defence Partnership Gains Momentum
Koizumi’s visit comes at a time when India and Japan are seeking to further strengthen their defence and security partnership, particularly in the maritime domain and across the Indo-Pacific.
The two countries share a vision of a free, open, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific, with cooperation expanding through military exchanges, maritime engagement and defence technology collaboration.
The Japanese Defence Minister’s latest remarks are expected to add further momentum to the bilateral relationship and reinforce the message that India and Japan see each other as trusted partners capable of supporting one another during times of need.
For More Info Stay Tuned: https://skylinktimes.in
