Continuing the series of recent high level defence exchanges between Tokyo and New Delhi, a top level Japanese Defence delegation headed by Gen Tsutomo Mori, Chief of Staff Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces, has commenced a four day visit here.
Mori on Monday held discussion with his Indian counterpart Gen JJ Singh on "army to army issues". His visit assumes significance in the wake of the recent high level meeting held in US Pacific command, where participants, including Japan, voiced concern over safety of passage in the crucial Malacca straits.
Tokyo as well as Washington want India alongwith Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia to play a more active role in policing the straits, through which the bulk of the world crude containers pass.
Mori, according to defence ministry sources will also hold discussions with the Naval Chief Admiral Arun Prakash and Air Chief SP Tyagi and Defence secretary Shekhar Dutt. He will also call on the Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Heri will be the first Japanese Army Chief to visit Jammu and Kashmir where he will visit some forward posts on the Line of the Control and be briefed on the situation by senior officers of the Northern Command.
The Japanese army chief will also witness exercises by paratroopers in Agra, who form the bullwark of India's rapid deployment force. |