India-Japan defence ties vital to ensure free, open Indo-Pacific, says govt

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa arrived here on Monday to hold the third India-Japan '2+2' dialogue that is expected to review the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and explore ways to expand bilateral strategic ties.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold the talks with their Japanese counterparts Kihara Minoru and Kamikawa on Tuesday.

"Strengthened India-Japan defence partnership is vital for ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific in the prevailing global environment," India's defence ministry said.

The two sides are expected to delve into further expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in the face of China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the region.

The first edition of the dialogue was held in India in 2019 while the second one took place in Japan in 2022.

Besides the '2+2' dialogue, Singh and Jaishankar will also hold separate bilateral talks with Defence Minister Minoru and Foreign Minist