Japanese army chief’s visit to India to boost defence ties
15 Feb 2011
The chief of staff of the Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces, General Yoshifumi Hibako, is currently on a four-day visit to India. The visit will provide a boost to defence cooperation between the two nations.
A road map for developing cooperation in defence and security was outlined in a joint statement in the course of a visit to Japan by then Indian defence minister, and current finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee, in 2006.
A 'Defence Policy Dialogue' has been established by both nations and military-to-military talks have also been institutionalized. As per the roadmap, both nations are committed to build on their strategic convergences and strengthen defence cooperation in mutually identified areas.
During his four days visit, ending 16 February, General Hibako will interact with senior officials of Indian armed forces and the ministry of defence and discuss issues in a bid to enhance military cooperation.
This visit is expected to further cement historic ties between India and Japan, especially the military-to-military contacts, which are based on mutual trust and understanding.