New Delhi

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday virtually addressed the 3rd Land Forces Summit hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF).

The summit was attended by Chiefs of Armies and senior military leaders from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and the United States.

During his address, General Dwivedi proposed the 'IKIGAI' Framework as a comprehensive roadmap to enhance Indo-Pacific land power cooperation. The framework underscores a shared and structured approach to strengthening multilateral military collaboration across the region.

The IKIGAI Framework encompasses: (I) Interoperability and Information Sharing, focusing on seamless coordination and intelligence exchange; (K) Knowledge and Professional Military Education, aimed at developing common understanding and leadership capabilities; (I) International Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, (G) Generative Technological Partnerships, (A) Assurance for Security Partnerships and (I) Integrated Logistics and Sustainment.

The COAS further highlighted the three key pillars of convergence underpinning effective cooperation - Shared Diagnosis, Shared Principles, and Shared Actions. He emphasised that the IKIGAI Framework reflects a common purpose among Indo-Pacific nations to harness collective land power to support regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Land Forces Summit is an important multilateral platform that strengthens Army-to-Army defence cooperation through senior leadership engagements and the structured Land Forces Dialogue, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration among participating nations.

He further emphasised that the 'IKIGAI' Framework reflects a shared purpose among Indo-Pacific nations to harness collective land power to support regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

According to the Army, the Land Forces Summit serves as an essential multilateral platform aimed at strengthening Army-to-Army defence cooperation through senior leadership engagements and structured Land Forces Dialogue, fostering a more profound understanding and collaboration among participating nations.

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According to the Government of Japan, the word 'ikigai' refers to a passion that brings value and joy to life.

It is a broad concept which also refers to that which brings value and joy to life: from people, such as one's children or friends, to activities, including work and hobbies.