Japan calls for 'integrated joint exercise' with India

NEW DELHI -- Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara has called for an "integrated joint exercise" between the Indian Armed Forces and Japanese Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces. The exercise will be managed by a joint operations command to be established by March 2025 to oversee the operations of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Kihara discussed the plan in an interview with Nikkei on Tuesday during a visit to the Indian capital along with Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa for "2-plus-2" ministerial talks on foreign and defense affairs.