Aimed at bolstering defense ties between India and Japan, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, embarked on a four-day visit to Japan from 14th to 17th October 2024. This visit marks a key step in fostering stronger military cooperation between the two nations, with a packed itinerary involving high-level engagements and discussions.
General Dwivedi's visit commenced on 14th October with an interaction with Shri Sibi George, the Indian Ambassador to Japan, at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. The discussion focused on the broader context of India-Japan relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation.
On 15th October, the COAS is set to engage in a series of crucial dialogues with senior military leadership in Japan at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Ichigaya. General Dwivedi will hold meetings with key officials, including General Yoshida Yoshihide, Chief of Staff, of the Joint Self-Defence Force, and General Morishita Yasunori, Chief of Staff, of Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF). Additionally, he will meet Mr. Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of the Acquisition, Technology, and Logistic Agency (ATLA). The discussions will focus on strengthening military cooperation and exploring advanced defense technology collaborations. The COAS will also pay homage at the Memorial at MoD, Ichigaya, and will be honored with a Guard of Honour by the JGSDF.
The itinerary also includes a visit to Japan's National Institute of Defence Studies, where General Dwivedi will interact with senior officials to gain insights into Japan's strategic defence priorities.
On 16th October, General Dwivedi, alongside General Morishita Yasunori, will visit the prestigious Fuji School, a key training institution of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force. There, the COAS will meet with Lieutenant General Kodama Yasuyuki, Commanding General of Fuji School, and receive a briefing on the institution's operations, followed by a tour of its equipment and facilities.
Concluding his visit, on 17th October, the Indian Army Chief will travel to Hiroshima, where he will lay a wreath at Hiroshima Peace Park in memory of the victims of the atomic bombing. He will also pay floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Peace Park, symbolizing peace and mutual respect between the two nations.
General Upendra Dwivedi’s visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan, particularly in the field of defence. Both nations have been working closely in recent years to strengthen their military ties, driven by shared regional interests and mutual concerns about security in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit is expected to further solidify the foundation for enhanced military collaboration and open up new avenues for cooperation. (PR)