In a significant show of bilateral cooperation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions on Monday with his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani, in New Delhi. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to deepening defence ties and addressing regional security challenges, with a particular emphasis on combating terrorism.
The high-level meeting took place shortly after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, highlighting the ongoing threat India faces from terrorism.
General Nakatani strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and extended Japan’s unwavering support to India. Expressing solidarity, he assured full cooperation from Japan in India’s fight against terrorism.
Following the bilateral talks, Defence Minister Singh shared an update on social media platform X, stating, “It was a delight to meet Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani San in New Delhi. India shares a Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. During the bilateral meeting, we discussed Defence cooperation and regional security.”
He added, “Both sides condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration and joint efforts to counter cross-border threats. Nakatani San expressed solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and offered full support to India.”
The bilateral meeting delved into various regional and international security concerns and explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of defence and strategic affairs.
This meeting marks the second engagement between the two defence ministers in a span of six months, following their initial interaction during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus held in Laos in November 2024.
Earlier in the day, General Nakatani was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. Minister Rajnath Singh personally received his Japanese counterpart, and the two leaders exchanged cordial greetings.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence emphasised the depth and warmth of the India-Japan relationship, noting that “India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has gained qualitative momentum since their partnership was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security are crucial pillars of this relationship.”
The Ministry also pointed to the increasing convergence of strategic interests between the two nations, particularly in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. “Defence exchanges have gained strength due to common outlooks on Indo-Pacific security,” it stated.
The meeting was held amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan has continued violating the ceasefire for 11 consecutive days.
According to the Indian Army, Pakistani forces resorted to unprovoked small arms fire during the night of May 4–5 in multiple areas, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Nowshera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor.
