India and Japan on Friday discussed a reciprocal provision of supplies and services agreement for greater interoperability between the militaries of the two strategic partners amid common concerns over China’s military muscle in strategic waters.
The proposed agreement was discussed at a meeting between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart General Nakatani on the sidelines of a regional security conference in Laos capital Vientiane.
The Defense Ministry said both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in co-production and co-development of military hardware.
“To further improve interoperability between the Indian and Japanese armies, reciprocal provision of supplies and services agreements between the two countries and participation of the armies in various bilateral and multilateral exercises were discussed,” a statement said.
The Reciprocal Supply and Services Agreement, if sealed, will provide the armies of both the countries an opportunity to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, besides facilitating enhanced overall defense cooperation.
Rajnath Singh and General Nakatani also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in the air space, the ministry said.
It said both sides reiterated the importance of India-Japan defense industry and technology cooperation.
“Recalling the significant event of signing of the Memorandum of Implementation (MOI) of Unicorn Mast in Japan last week, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in co-production and co-development in the defense manufacturing sector,” it said.
The MoI was signed for co-development of UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast, which is a key equipment for warships to enhance their stealth characteristics.
Rajnath Singh also held a separate bilateral meeting with Philippines Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro.
“Both sides agreed to expand and deepen cooperation in exchange of subject matter experts, defense industry, counter-terrorism, space and maritime domain,” the ministry said.
Before leaving for Delhi, Singh visited Wat Sisaket Temple (a Buddhist temple) in Vientiane, and received blessings from Mahaweth Chittakaro, the abbot of Sisaket Temple.
Rajnath Singh arrived in Vientiane on Wednesday primarily to attend the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) meeting.
ADMM-Plus is a forum comprising the 10-nation ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its eight dialogue partners – India, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Laos hosted the meeting in its capacity as the current Chair of ADMM-Plus.
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