Pranab to visit Japan for strategic dialogue

India and Japan will hold their first strategic dialogue on March 22 when External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee travels there on a visit that is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The decision to establish strategic dialogue mechanism was taken during the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Tokyo in December.

The meeting between Mukherjee and his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso is aimed at imparting stronger political, economic and strategic dimensions to bilateral ties serving long term interests of both sides.

The dialogue is intended to enhance all-round cooperation and contribute to greater regional peace and stability.

Mukherjee, who visits Japan for the first time as external affairs minister, will also call on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He had earlier visited that country as defence minister.

During Dr Singh's visit to Tokyo, the two countries had affirmed their commitment to enhance defence cooperation to achieve the common goal of promoting security, stability and prosperity in Asia and in the world at large as also in tackling regional and global security challenges.

As part of this, the two sides proposed to conduct a 'goodwill exercise' between Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and the Indian Navy this year. It was decided that regular exchanges will be held between the coast guards of the two countries in combating piracy.

The two countries are also keen on enhancing their economic and trade cooperation, which forms a key part of the strategic engagement.