New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday welcomed his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, on his maiden visit to India with a polite, traditional Japanese afternoon greeting.

In a post on X, he said, "Konichiwa Koizumi San!"

"Happy to welcome my Japanese counterpart on his maiden visit to India," he added.

Earlier, Koizumi inspected the ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi in the presence of the Defence Minister.

He also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Koizumi arrived in Mumbai for his maiden official visit to India, kicking off a two-day itinerary focused on deepening defence ties and advancing maritime...