Visit of Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) JS Makinami to Mumbai 18-20 Feb 23

JMSDF Ship JS Makinami, a Takanami class destroyer, is on a goodwill visit to Mumbai from 18 to 20 Feb 23. The ship is on passage to Manama, Bahrain and is being deployed for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

Captain FUJII Kenrichi, Commander Escort Division Seven (CED 7) and Commander NOSE Koji, Commanding Officer JS Makinami, accompanied by Capt TACHIBANA Hiroshi, DA of Japan in India, called on Rear Admiral Kunal Singh Rajkumar, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Headquarters Western Naval Command, Mumbai, and discussed subjects of common interest.

India and Japan conduct the JIMEX series of exercises regularly between their navies. Since 2015, Japan has also been participating in the ‘Malabar’ series of naval exercises that now also include Australia. JS Uraga and Awaji visited Kochi from 14 to 16 Feb 23, prior proceeding to the Persian Gulf to participate in a multilateral exercise. Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ is also in progress from 17 Feb to 02 Mar 23, between the armies of the two countries at Camp Imazu, Shiga Province, Japan.

Over the decades, both counties have endeavoured to enhance cooperation in maritime affairs, military logistics and defence-industrial matters to develop niche weapon systems.

During their stay at Mumbai, JMSDF personnel will visit places of cultural interest.