In an effort to further cement the defence and strategic ties and in view of an expansionist China, India and Japan on Thursday signed an agreement here concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Armed Forces of India and The Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The agreement was signed by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Ambassador of Japan Suzuki Satoshi.
Giving details of the pact, defence ministry officials said here on Thursday this agreement establishes the enabling framework for closer cooperation between the Armed Forces of India and Japan in reciprocal provision of supplies and services while engaged in bilateral training activities, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Humanitarian International Relief and other mutually agreed activities.
The agreement will also enhance the interoperability between the Armed Forces of India and Japan thereby further increasing the bilateral defence engagements under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries, they said.
This agreement now allows the armed forces of the two countries to use each other’s facilities like replenishment in terms of diesel, food, fresh water and other such logistical items. India has similar agreements with the US, Australia, France, Oman and Singapore.
For his part, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his outgoing Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and conveyed his gratitude for playing a key role in greatly strengthening ties between India and Japan. In the talks, Modi apprised Abe his intention to work closely with the new government of Japan and wished him the very best for the future, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
It said the two leaders expressed confidence that the strong momentum attained in partnership between the two countries in the last few years will continue unabated in the future.
Last month, Abe decided to resign citing health issues. “Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Abe for his personal commitment and leadership in greatly strengthening the relationship between the two countries,” the MEA said.
The two leaders also welcomed the signing of a reciprocal logistics support agreement between the Indian Armed Forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan.
“They concurred that the agreement will further enhance the depth of defence cooperation between the two countries and contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” the MEA said.
“Made a phone call to my dear friend @AbeShinzo to wish him good health and happiness. I deeply cherish our long association. His leadership and commitment have been vital in taking India-Japan partnership to new heights. I am sure this momentum will continue in the coming years,” Modi tweeted.