Singh Calls for More Defense Cooperation with Japan

Tokyo, May 28 (Jiji Press)--Visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for increased defense cooperation between his country and Japan during a speech in Tokyo on Tuesday. Japan and India already have "a rich relationship," Singh said, referring to various recent economic agreements, such as the comprehensive economic partnership agreement and an agreement for cooperation in the development of rare earth minerals. As the relationship goes forward, "we should intensify our political dialogue and expand our strategic consultations on regions and issues of mutual interest," he said. "Our defense and security dialogue, military exercises and defense technology collaboration should grow," he continued, citing the launch of bilateral defense exercises between the Indian Navy and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. He also noted there are "continuing threats to stability and security" in the region. Although he did not name any countries, he apparently meant China, which India sees as a security threat, observers said. In April, territorial conflict between India and China over the Kashmir region worsened. Pointing out that maritime security across the linked regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans is "essential for regional and global prosperity," Singh suggested that the two countries "uphold the principles of freedom of navigation" and work together to "address common sea-based challenges such as piracy." END