New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently on an official visit to Japan, met that country`s foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, on Tuesday, and welcomed Japan`s initiative to strengthen bilateral ties with New Delhi.
Parikkar said Japan is a privileged partner in the `Make in India` initiative, including in defence equipment and technology sector.
Parikkar said India considers its relations with Japan as very important, and added that this was evident by the fact that he had chosen Japan as the first country to visit after assuming his office.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kishida emphasized a commonality of strategic interests between Japan and India and conveyed his country`s desire to enhance bilateral defence and security cooperation, including in the field of maritime security.
Kishida said Japan would like to further enhance economic cooperation with India and work jointly to enhance regional connectivity.
