Singapore: Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has proposed holding a meeting of Quad defence ministers in India, similar to the recent Quad foreign ministers' dialogue, as part of efforts to deepen security cooperation among the four-member grouping.
Responding to a question at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi said, "Recently, Japan's foreign minister, Motegi (Toshimitsu Motegi) visited India to have Quad meeting with foreign ministers. It would be great if we can have that among defense ministers too."
The Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States committed to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.
Highlighting the scope for greater security engagement, he added, "Defense cooperation could be area we can work together. So if schedule allows, it'd be great if I can visit India to have that kind of dialogue."
The Japanese minister also emphasized the need to strengthen the Quad framework, stating, "I want to energize Quad to the next step."
The Quad comprises India, Japan, United States and Australia, and has increasingly focused on regional security, maritime cooperation and strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific.
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