Indian Naval Ship visit to Japan demonstrates stronger bilateral relation

NewsBharati    12-Oct-2017
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Sasebo, October 12: India-Japan naval ties have reached new height since 2008 after the first ‘Navy to Navy Staff Talks’ between the two nations. Adding one more feather to the relation, Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kadmatt are visiting Sasebo, Japan from 12th October. This visit demonstrates India’s strong commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The visiting Indian Naval ships will engage with the JMSDF in formal calls, as also professional, social and sporting interactions. After completion of the harbor phase, the ships will take part in Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Murusame Class destroyer, JS Kirisame.

The Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) also have strong bilateral defense training cooperation, including at very senior levels. Further, in order to enhance interoperability and understanding, seminars and short-term exchange programs are conducted regularly in both countries with participation from both navies. This exchange has expanded to sporting interaction in the form of JMSDF participation in the annual international Admiral’s Cup Regatta at the Indian Naval Academy for the first time in 2016.

Regular bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises have been the foundation for strong naval relations. The erstwhile Japan – India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) led to Japan participating in the ‘MALABAR’ exercise (a tripartite naval exercise between India, the US and Japan) since 2014.