Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan is slated to leave New Delhi on the night of 10 December for an official visit to Japan. The aim of this visit is to further reinforce the robust defence ties between the two nations. This visit underscores the growing importance of India – Japan Defence Cooperation.

During his visit, Gen Anil Chauhan is scheduled to interact with senior military leadership of Japan and will visit defence formations and establishments. The key highlights of the tour include call-on with the Minister of Defence, Mr Minoru Kihara, a meeting with Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan Self-Defence Forces General Yoshida Yoshihide besides interactions with Commissioner of Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) Mr Fukasawa Masaki, and also with Vice President of National Institute of Defence Studies (NIDS), Japan Major General Adachi Yoshiki.

 In addition, the CDS will interact with the Faculty and Research Scholars at NIDS and also visit military establishments. The meetings and interactions will be aimed to foster mutual understanding, exchanging views on regional security, contribution towards strengthening bilateral defence cooperation as well as cooperation in the field of defence equipment and technology.

The CDS is scheduled to visit Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) units and also undertake interactions with Commander in Chief Self Defence Fleet at Funakoshi JMSDF Base. General Anil Chauhan will also visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and lay wreath in remembrance of the victims of Hiroshima. He will pay special tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Hiroshima towards enhancing peace and tranquillity in the region.

India and Japan celebrate 71 years of diplomatic ties in 2023. This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen the special Strategic and Global Partnership. Demonstrating the enduring camaraderie that has flourished between India and Japan over the past 70 years, the visit will further boost bilateral cooperation on a host of strategic issues, particularly in defence collaboration.

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ABB/Anand

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