[Title] Joint Statement, Visit of Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Defence to Japan

1. H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Defence of the Republic of India, is currently paying an official visit to Japan from May 25 to May 28, 2006 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga, Minister of State for Defense of Japan. H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee held in depth discussions in Tokyo on May 25, 2006 with H.E. Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga. The discussions covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, and focused in particular on deepening the dialogue and cooperation between India and Japan in the areas of security and defence cooperation.

2. The two Ministers recalled that during the official visit to India of H.E. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, the Prime Minister of Japan in April 2005, the two Prime Ministers had decided to reinforce the strategic focus of the Global Partnership between India and Japan and launched an Eight-fold Initiative in order to realize its full potential.

3. The two Ministers noted that the two countries are partners in peace, with a deep interest in promoting the security, stability and prosperity in Asia and in the world at large as well as in tackling regional and global security challenges. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implement fully the decisions taken by the Prime Ministers to further develop the dialogue and exchanges between the two countries in the security and defence fields, proceeding from the broader perspective of the Global Partnership and building on strategic convergences.

4. The two Ministers discussed the emerging security environment in Asia and at the global level that have challenged both countries through new and emerging threats including, inter alia: trans-national terrorism, violent extremism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related materials, equipment, technologies and means of delivery; and threat to maritime traffic. The two Ministers recognized that in today's era of globalization and inter-dependence among nations, such new and non-traditional threats affect the security of nations worldwide, including India and Japan. They also exchanged views on traditional security challenges of mutual concern and interest that have a bearing on Asian and global security.

5. Based on this understanding of the regional and international security environment, the two Ministers reaffirmed that both governments need to work closely together to pursue common objectives through their individual efforts, joint initiatives and cooperation in appropriate regional and international fora as the two countries are committed to democratic values, human rights, pluralism, open society and the rule of law which provide the foundation of their partnership. These objectives include, inter alia:

(i) Maintenance and promotion of peace and stability in Asia and at the global level, creating an international climate conducive to the continued economic growth and development;

(ii) Promoting confidence building measures in Asia, including promotion of transparency and frank exchange of views among defence authorities;

(iii) Countering terrorism and violent extremism;

(iv) Preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and related materials, equipment, technologies and means of delivery;

(v) Contributing to the safety and stability of regional maritime traffic;

(vi) Promoting international cooperation in the areas of disaster management and provision of relief operations;

(vii) Developing cooperative relationships with nations of Asia and in the world; and

(viii) Promoting the development of various regional cooperation mechanisms, in an open and inclusive manner.

6. The two Ministers expressed their determination to pursue co-operation, inter alia, in the following areas related to defence and security:

(i) Leadership, policy officials and joint staff level exchanges between the defence establishments to enhance mutual understanding and to promote wide range cooperation in the defence and security field;

(ii) Service-to-service exchanges including capacity building between the defence establishments at various levels, which may lead to cooperation in disaster relief, maritime security or other areas of mutual interest;

(iii) Exchange of information, assessments, experiences and lessons learnt on a regular basis in tackling of regional and global issues, including international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, disaster relief and peacekeeping operations, at both the political and the operational level;

(iv) Promotion of cooperation in areas of training and education;

(v) Promotion of cooperation in areas of strategic and security studies;

(vi) Promotion of cooperation in technical areas; and

(vii) Expanding interaction and cooperation with other nations to promote regional and global security, peace and stability, including through closer collaboration in the relevant regional and multilateral framework.

7. With regard to the scope of cooperation identified above, the two Ministers directed that the mechanisms of implementation may include, inter alia, the following:

(i) Holding of meetings between the Defence Minister of India and the Minister of State for Defense of Japan at regular intervals, alternately in the two capitals or elsewhere, also making use of opportunities at regional and multilateral meetings;

(ii) Holding of a Defence Policy Dialogue at the Defence Secretary/Administrative Vice Minister level from time to time, alternately in India and Japan;

(iii) Holding of regular Comprehensive Security Dialogue and Military-to-Military Talks, alternately in India and Japan;

(iv) Regular exchange of visits at the Chiefs of Staff and Joint Staff level and Staff level of each service.

(v) Exchange of ship visits between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force;

(vi) Holding of goodwill exercises between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, with progressively advanced nature that takes account of future possible exercises in areas of mutual interest;

(vii) Inviting officials of the other side to witness designated military activities;

(viii) Mutual exchange of student officers (including civilian officials) and researchers from defence establishments for various courses (such courses may be identified based on areas of interest of each country); and

(ix) Participating in security conferences and seminars hosted by their defence establishments, and cooperating in the relevant existing regional and multilateral fora.

8. Both sides concurred that :-

(i) Areas of cooperation are not limited to those mentioned above, and that they will endeavour to identify other areas of cooperation relating to defence and security; and

(ii) They will also seek to develop an annual calendar of cooperation and exchanges in advance.

9. The two Ministers reiterated that all activities under this Joint Statement will be conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations and national policies of each country, their international commitments, and on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit.

10. H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Defence of India, thanked the Government of Japan for the courtesy and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit to Japan. He extended a cordial invitation to H.E. Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga, Minister of State for Defense of Japan, to visit India. The invitation was accepted with appreciation. The dates of the visit will be decided through diplomatic channels.

Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Defence

Fukushiro Nukaga, Minister of State for Defense

Tokyo

May 25, 2006