India-Japan conducts Joint Naval Exercises amid India-China stand-off

New Delhi, June 29: Amid the ongoing standoff between India and Japan, the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces (JMSDF) held a joint training exercise in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, announced the navies of both the countries. The training came as to "promote mutual understanding" and build trust with the Indian Navy.

 

Though the naval exercises are now routine between India and Japan the timing of the present exercise will not be revealed as the military stand-off between India and China in Ladakh continues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

 

The Japan defence minister Taro Kono has not only expressed concern over not only China's defence capabilities but also its intention in the Indo-Pacific region. This was the first such statement from Japan after China has been continuously interfering aggressively in parts of Asia over the past few months.

 

The exercise comprised of four warships, two from each country that was aimed for strategic communications and signalling rather than for combat purpose. The Indian navy training warships included INS Rana and INS Kulush that were joined by the JS Kashima and JS Shimayuki of the Japanese navy. The Japanese embassy in New Delhi said this was the 15th such exercise in three years.

 

“The content of this exercise is tactical training and communication training with no specific scenario. It was the 15th such training exercise between JMSDF and Indian Navy during the past three years following efforts by Delhi and Tokyo to widen defence partnership,” said a top embassy official.

 

 

Following the participation in the Malabar exercises, the Japanese navy has become one of the principal partners of the Indian Navy. Indian naval ships take part in the exercise, both bilaterally with their Japanese counterparts. The Malabar exercise also includes the United States.

 

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