India, Japan sign security cooperation pact

Tokyo: India and Japan on Wednesday signed a joint declaration on security cooperation aimed at intensifying interaction between their militaries and also expanding the scope of strategic dialogue between the two Asian nations.

The declaration seeks dialogue on defence, coordination on issues relating to disarmament, non-proliferation and disaster management as well as co-operation between their coast guards.

The security cooperation pact was signed here by Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso.

According to the joint declaration, mechanisms will be created through which strategic dialogue will be maintained at the level of foreign and defence ministries, including periodic consultations by the national security advisors of the two countries.

The coast guards in the two countries will cooperate in maritime security and safety.

Bilateral consultations will also be intensified to enhance cooperation in the crucial area of counter-terrorism.

Japan has also agreed to help develop a tsunami disaster map in India. There will also be cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in the field of disaster management.

An action plan with specific measures to advance security cooperation in all these areas will be presented to both prime ministers soon.