New Delhi || 22-11-2024 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on November 22, 2024, met his Japan counterpart Gen Nakatani and Secretary of National Defence (Defence Minister) of the Philippines Gilberto Teodoro on the final day of his three-day visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Both Rajnath Singh and General Nakatani reiterated the importance of defence industry and technology cooperation between the two countries. Recalling the milestone event of signing of Memorandum of Implementation of UNICORN mast in Japan last week, both sides agreed for enhanced cooperation in co-production and co-development in the defence manufacturing sector.
To further improve inter-operability between the Indian and Japanese forces, Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement between the two countries and participation of militaries in various bilateral and multilateral exercises were discussed by both the Ministers. They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in the air domain.
Meeting with Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the Philippines as country coordinator for India in ASEAN and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus forum for the next cycle. Both sides agreed to expand and deepen cooperation in exchange of subject matter experts, defence industry, counter-terrorism, space and maritime domain.
Before leaving for New Delhi, Minister Singh also visited the Buddhist Temple Wat Sisakat in Vientiane, and sought blessings from Shri Mahaveth Chittakaro, Abbot of Sisaket Temple.
During his three-day stay in Vientiane, Rajnath Singh attended the 11th ADMM-Plus, and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Malaysia, Lao PDR, China, US, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Australia, Japan and the Philippines.
