Japan joins India-US naval exercises in Indian Ocean where China is building its presence
Japan included just as US mulls sailing near disputed South China Sea
Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force is taking part in this year's joint naval exercises by India and the United States that started yesterday in the Indian Ocean, an area where China has been building up its presence.
The last time New Delhi hosted multilateral drills in its waters in 2007 prompted disquiet in China where some saw it as a US-inspired security grouping on the lines of Nato in Europe.
But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signalled a more robust security policy, seeking stronger strategic ties with the US and Japan while keeping a lid on border tensions with China.
"These exercises are all-encompassing, starting from one spectrum to the other including anti-piracy operations, board, search and seize and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," said Indian navy spokesman Captain D.K. Sharma.
Japan has sent its Fuyuzuki destroyer for the Malabar series of drills in the Bay of Bengal through till Monday aimed at upgrading capability against submarines and undertaking training for rescue and other operations.
The US is deploying the aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and a nuclear-powered submarine in the week-long exercises that the Indian navy said will cover the full spectrum of manoeuvres.