India and Japan have pledged to strengthen defence ties as Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attended a reception hosted by India’s Ambassador in Tokyo. The two countries are set to discuss defence equipment, joint exercises, technology cooperation and Indo-Pacific security during Koizumi’s India visit.

Tokyo, July 16: Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attended a reception at the residence of India's Ambassador to Japan, Nagma Mallick, on Thursday, with both sides pledging to strengthen defence ties between the two nations.

"Attended a reception at the Indian Ambassador's Residence tonight. Pledged with Ambassador Naqma Mohammadi Malik to strengthen Japan-India defence ties," Koizumi posted on X later.

The development comes as Koizumi plans to visit India in August to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh. This will be Koizumi's first visit to India after assuming office in October last year, local media reported on Thursday.

Defence Cooperation On Agenda