New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in the national capital, where both nations agreed to expand cooperation across key sectors, including maritime security and the Indo-Pacific region.

Signalling a firm posture amid regional assertiveness, both ministers affirmed that the Indo-Pacific must remain free and open. They further exchanged perspectives regarding the regional and international security environment against the backdrop of prevailing global tensions.

Reiterating their firm opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo affecting navigation rights, a joint statement noted, "The two Ministers concurred on deepening...