Japan and India have signed a military pact enabling them to exchange logistical support, as part of efforts to step up security cooperation, Kyodo cited the Japanese government as saying on Thursday. The Japanese government said the two countries' prime ministers agreed on the importance of their countries' close security and economic cooperation, and shared the view that the signing of the pact the previous day will help realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The agreement provides a framework for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Indian Armed Forces to provide each other with supplies and services including food, fuel and spare parts, as well as provide transportation and use of each other's facilities during joint exercises and U.N. peacekeeping operations. Both countries must conclude domestic procedures for the pact to enter into force. Japan already has similar arrangements with the United States, Britain, France, Canada and Australia. The two also agreed on cooperation on delayed plans to introduce Japanese high-speed trains to India in 2023.
