New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) Anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and a review of defence ties will be among the topics on the anvil when Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony meets his Japanese counterpart during his three-day Japan visit beginning Saturday.
“Antony would be meeting his Japanese counterpart Toshimi Kitazawa to review ongoing defence related interactions between both the countries and to explore ways to enhance mutual benefit,” a defence ministry spokesperson said here Friday.

“The conduct of joint exercises between the armed forces of both the countries and exchange of students in the defence training institutions of both the countries would also be discussed with the Japanese side.

“In addition, possibilities of coordination of efforts in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and other maritime security challenges are also likely to be discussed,” the official added.

This the first visit of an Indian minister since the new government in Japan headed by Yukio Hatoyama took over in September this year.

Antony will be accompanied by defence secretary Pradeep Kumar, his scientific adviser V.K. Saraswat and senior armed forces officials. He returns Nov 10.