India, Japan to expand security and defence cooperation
30 Oct 2018
India and Japan have decided to further deepen bilateral security and defence cooperation through established mechanisms, including the annual defence ministerial dialogue and mutual interaction between national security advisors, the three services, coast guards.
Both countries attach importance to the Malabar exercise, regular Passage Exercises (PASSEX) and other joint exercises, including the first counter terrorism exercise between the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) and the Indian Army as well as Japan Air Self-Defence Force’s (JASDF) participation as observer in Cope India and welcome increased cooperation with like-minded countries.
Maritime security cooperation between India and Japan through enhanced exchanges in expanding maritime domain awareness (MDA) and mutual logistics support in the Indo-Pacific Region contributes to regional peace and stability. During the 13 Summit, the two prime ministers welcomed the signing the implementing arrangement for deeper cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and commencement of negotiations for the Acquisition, Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). These two documents will enhance the strategic depth of the relationship. Cooperation between India and Japan on defence equipment and technology holds immense scope and potential for future bilateral collaborations.
Defence cooperation between India and Japan flows from the Joint Declaration Security Cooperation 2008 and the Memorandum on Defence Cooperation and Exchanges concluded in 2014.
The agreement concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology and Agreement concerning Security Measures for the Protection of Classified Military Information also concluded in 2015 have further built on this edifice.
The Implementing Arrangement for Deeper Cooperation between the Indian Navy and JMSDF was signed in October 2018.
It will establish the means and framework for information sharing and conduct of joint exercises and other maritime engagements for the enhancement of Maritime Security and MDA, including the exchange of shipping information.