Army Chief on Japan visit, tests out tanks, military equipment

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh, who is on a four day goodwill visit to Japan, has interacted with his counterparts in Tokyo and has been given a first-hand feel of Japanese military equipment, including a ride on a main battle tank.

Singh, who discussed issues of mutual concern pertaining to security and defence cooperation with top Japanese officials, is one of the senior most Indian military officials to visit the nation. India has been focusing on its military ties with Japan, with a possible first military deal for US 2 amphibious aircraft likely to be finalized shortly.

Singh was accorded a guard of honour in Tokyo by the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force(GSDF) and attended an official banquet hosted by General Kiyofumi Iwata, Chief of Staff of Japanese GSDF. Gen Dalbir Singh also visiting defence installations and institutions of the Japanese Self Defence Force, including Camp Narasino, Camp Simosizu, Japanese Air Defence School, Camp Fuji and Headquarters of Japanese Middle Army.


"India's relations with Japan have undergone a significant transformation since the establishment of the India-Japan Global partnership for the 21st Century in Aug 2000 and the enhancement of its status to a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' during the PM's visit to Japan in Sep 2014. Defence and Security Cooperation have emerged as a key component of this strategic partnership," an Army official said.