Japan, India agree to boost defence ties in face of more assertive China
Plan that includes regular maritime exercises reached in the face of China's assertiveness
India and Japan affirmed plans to "further strengthen" defence co-operation against the backdrop of an increasingly assertive China.
The agreement was reached at a New Delhi meeting between Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, who began a three-day visit to India on Saturday.
Singh and Abe also "renewed their resolution" that both nations conduct joint maritime exercises on a "regular basis with increased frequency".
Coming against the backdrop of a bitter territorial row between Japan and China over the Diaoyu, or Senkaku, islands in the East China Sea, analysts have said Abe's India trip will be keenly watched by Beijing.
Underscoring the importance India attaches to ties with Japan, Abe was the guest of honour yesterday at the annual Republic Day parade.
Abe, who is accompanied by a heavyweight Japanese business delegation, and Singh, held "extensive talks" on bilateral, regional and global issues, the statement said.