Antony to visit Japan

The talks between Antony and his Japanese counterpart Yasho Jchikawa will also cover issues like humanitarian assistance, terrorism, disaster relief and training of troops for UN peacekeeping operations, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said here on Friday. "Regional and global security scenario, maritime security, piracy in the Gulf of Aden and cooperation in the field of humanitarian assistance and terrorism are some of the issues that will figure prominently during the talks," he said.

The Indian delegation will comprise Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma, Navy`s Vice Chief Vice Admiral R K Dhowan and Central Army Commander Lt Gen V K Ahluwalia. Japanese Defence Minister?s had visited India in April 2010, he said.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna is now in Japan for the fifth strategic dialogue during which the two sides will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including civil nuclear field, trade and security. India and Japan share common concerns on extremism, terrorism and nuclear proliferation. The navies and coast guards of the two countries have exercised together.