Foreign
Amid ongoing row with China, Indian and Japanese air forces discussed strengthening their ties through joint military exercises and training, the Indian Air Force said in a statement on Thursday.
India and Japan both have seen aggression by the Chinese in recent times as Beijing has been having territorial issues with almost everyone in its neighbourhood.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions when Gen. Izutsu Shunji, Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force visited India on Wednesday.
The Japanese air chief met and discussed military ties with his Indian counterpart, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
Shunji’s visit came soon after the navies of the two countries held the Malabar maritime exercise with all four Quad members in it along with the U.S. and Australia.
“In subsequent discussions, the two air chiefs recognised the progress made in defence ties between India and Japan and discussed avenues to further enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces.
“They also discussed the scope for enhancement of joint exercises and training between the two Air Forces.
“Broader cooperation for strengthening collective response to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief contingencies was also discussed,” the statement said.
The Indian Air Force said that overcoming the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, the visit reaffirmed the deep-rooted commitment to maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the air forces.
Shunji is scheduled to also hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Bipin Rawat and other senior officers. (ANI/NAN)
– Dec. 10, 2020 @ 14:23 GMT |
Tags: China row: India Japan discuss joint military ties
