How is Japan Supporting India's Battle Against Terrorism?

Synopsis
In a significant bilateral meeting, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japan's General Nakatani reaffirmed their countries' commitment to combat terrorism and enhance Defence cooperation. Following a tragic attack in Pahalgam, this collaboration signals strong international solidarity against security threats.
Key Takeaways
- India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to counter terrorism.
- General Nakatani pledged Japan's full support
- The bilateral discussions focused on regional security and Defence cooperation.
- This meeting reflects the growing partnership between the two nations.
- The backdrop includes rising tensions along the Line of Control.
New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in bilateral discussions with his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani, in New Delhi on Monday. The leaders reiterated their dedication to strengthening Defence relations and addressing regional security challenges, particularly terrorism.
This meeting follows a heinous terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that resulted in the loss of 26 innocent lives.
General Nakatani conveyed Japan's solidarity with India regarding the Pahalgam attack and pledged full support.
Following the meeting, Defence Minister Singh shared on X, "It was a pleasure to meet Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani San in New Delhi. India has a Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. Our discussions focused on Defence collaboration and regional security matters."
Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in every form and stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation and joint initiatives to tackle cross-border threats.
"Nakatani San voiced Japan's solidarity with India in light of the Pahalgam attack and offered unwavering support," added Rajnath Singh.
The bilateral talks centered on regional and global security issues, exploring ways to enhance Defence and strategic collaboration.
This marked the second meeting between the two Defence Ministers in six months, following their initial engagement at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Laos in November 2024.
Earlier, General Nakatani was honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Delhi's Manekshaw Centre.
Singh warmly welcomed the Japanese Defence Minister, and both leaders exchanged cordial greetings.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that "India and Japan enjoy a long-standing friendship, which has evolved significantly since their partnership was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security are pivotal components of this relationship."
The ministry also pointed out the increasing alignment on strategic matters between the two countries, especially in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. "Defence exchanges have strengthened due to shared perspectives on Indo-Pacific security," it noted.
This meeting occurred amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan has been violating a ceasefire for 11 consecutive days.
The Indian Army reported that Pakistani forces opened fire without provocation during the night of May 4-5 in various areas, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Nowshera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor.