India, Japan agree to bolster defence and security ties

India and Japan have agreed to bolster defense and security ties and backed a "common strategic vision" of a free and open Indo-Pacific - a region where both countries have troubled relations with China, Report informs referring to Reuters.

Foreign and defense ministers of both countries held talks under the so-called 'India-Japan 2+2' dialogue in New Delhi, the third such bilateral engagement in five years.

The ministers discussed progress on the transfer of battleship communication antennas and related technology from Japan to India, according to a joint statement.

The move would mark Japan's first export of defense equipment and technology transfer to New Delhi under a 2015 pact, as Tokyo seeks to strengthen its defense industry.

Economic and political ties between India and Japan have grown. The nations are part of the Quad security grouping with the United States and Australia, seen as a counter to China's influence in the region.