High-end defence technology cooperation possible with Japan: Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India sees possibility of a new era of cooperation with Japan in high-end defence technology and equipment and noted that progress has been made in parleys on civil nuclear agreement and amphibious aircraft deal between them.

"In the field of defence and security, I feel time has come for us to upgrade our relations. I see in the recent changes in Japan's defence export policies and regulations a possibility to engage in a new era of cooperation in high-end defence technology and equipment.

"There has been significant progress in our negotiations on the civil nuclear agreement; on the US-2 amphibian aircraft; and in the field of high speed railway. It is my hope that my visit this time will pave the way for concrete cooperation on these fields," he said while interacting with the Japanese media.

India is planning to sign a deal with Japan for procuring US-2 amphibious seaplanes for guarding its island territories and also wants to co-produce it in India.

Expressing happiness at Japan's participation in the Indo-US Malabar naval exercise, the Prime Minister said, "We have a shared interest in working together with Japan and with other countries, to foster peace and stability in Asia and beyond. We are committed to strengthen defence exchanges and cooperation between Japan and India."

He said the "two sides will strengthen defence exchanges at all levels and continue to hold naval exercises with regular frequency."