India, Japan hold talks to increase cooperation in key areas

New Delhi, Oct 22 (PTI) India and Japan today held discussions on enhancing cooperation in key bilateral areas, including maritime, cyber, outer space security and also exchanged views on regional and international security situation here, ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit on November 15. During the 2nd India-Japan 2+2 Dialogue involving foreign policy issues and security, the two countries "reviewed bilateral security and defence cooperation and discussed ways of further expanding such ties. "The two delegations also exchanged views on maritime, cyber and outer space security. They agreed to an early meeting of the new India – Japan Cyber Security Dialogue," a statement issued by External Affairs Ministry said. The Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai and Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma while Deputy Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki and Administrative Vice Defence Minister Hironori Kanazawa led Japanese delegation. The two sides briefed the other on their respective defence and security policies in the background of each country's security environment, the Ministry said, adding they also discussed regional and international security situation. These 2+2 consultations at Senior Official level are mandated by the Action Plan to Advance Security Cooperation concluded between the two countries in December 2009. These consultations were build on the last round of the 2+2 Dialogue held at New Delhi in June 2010. While Japan has been holding similar consultations with the US and Australia, this is India's first 2+2 dialogue with any country and hence is an indication of the growing proximity between both the countries. The first 2 + 2 India-Japan interaction was held in July 2010. Intended to be an annual event, however, the meeting could not be held last year due to scheduling problems. The officials also discussed the agenda and possible deliverables for the Summit-level meeting between Singh and his Japanese counterpart Yoshihiko Noda. PTI