India, Japan Hold Defense Talks; Rajnath Singh Expresses Gratitude for Pahalgam Support

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Defense Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the India-Japan Defense Ministerial Meeting, where he expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support following the Pahalgam attack. Singh held a bilateral discussion with Japanese Defense Minister General Nakatani in New Delhi, during which both sides exchanged perspectives on regional and global security issues and explored ways to further strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations.

In his remarks after the meeting, Singh said, "I thank the Government of Japan for its strong solidarity with India following the Pahalgam terror attack. I also want to acknowledge Japan's significant contribution to enhancing India-Japan defense relations."

The meeting details were shared through the official X account of the Defense Minister, where Singh expressed his pleasure in meeting General Nakatani, emphasizing that India and Japan share a unique, strategic, and global partnership. The two leaders condemned terrorism in all forms and stressed the need to collaborate more closely to tackle cross-border threats. Nakatani expressed Japan’s unwavering support for India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

India and Japan's long-standing friendship gained fresh momentum after it was upgraded to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defense and security have become key pillars of this bilateral relationship, with increased cooperation in recent years, particularly on strategic issues. This partnership is crucial as both countries share common interests in maintaining peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.