India and Japan have decided to strengthen defence consultation and cooperation including maritime security to further consolidate and strengthen the Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries. Defence Minister of Japan, Itsunori Onodera, who is on a visit to India held wide ranging talks with his counterpart A.K Antony in New Delhi. During the Defence Ministerial meeting, boths sides extensively exchanged ideas regarding regional and global security challenges.

They also shared views on issues relating to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region. At the meeting, both the Ministers have decided to conduct bilateral exercises between Japan Maritime Self- Defence Force and Indian Navy on a regular basis. They also shared views on conducting Expert exchanges in Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief and Counter Terrorism between both Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force . The two sides agreed to continue to conduct staff exchanges and discuss possibility of conducting staff talks between Japan Air Self-Defence Force and Indian Air Force and professional exchanges of test-pilots, flight safety and between their transport squadrons.