New Delhi, May 03: As part of moves to create international awareness of the nuclear threat posed by North Korea and to carry forward ongoing strategic dialogue with India, Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba arrives here today for talks with his counterpart. Besides, the threat posed by nuclear weapon armed North Korea, the Japanese Defence Minister's talks are expected to focus on exchanging views on Defence Minister George Fernandes’ recent visit to China, Indo-Pak relations and post war situation in Iraq.
Diplomatic sources said the Japanese would welcome stepping up of joint Indo-US naval patrols of the Malacca straits as well on increasing military exchanges between the two countries.
New Delhi on its part would brief Tokyo on increasing evidence of Pakistan-North Korean nuclear and missile nexus and continued cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and the threat it posed in the region.
India and Japan have at various levels, including prime ministers, have had a defecne policy dialogue ongoing for the past three years during which New Delhi has been successful in convincing Tokyo of its intentions to have strict control over nuclear weapons and in a no case scenario allow for proliferation of these weapons.
As part of his engagements in India, Ishiba designated as cabinet minister director general of defence agency would hold one to one talks with Fernandes. The Indian Defence Minister would also host a dinner for his Japanese guest. Bureau Report