India and Japan have begun their first four-day army-to-army talks to continue to expand their military ties.

Indian Air Force chief Marshal P V Naik, also chairman of the chiefs of staff committee in Tokyo, will further discuss the defence relationship between the nations, according to the Times of India.

The Japanese counterpart in India, led by Major-General Koichiro Bansho, will discuss joint combat exercises, anti-piracy patrols to counter-terrorism and service-to-service exchanges with the Indian Army.

India is engaged in such talks with eight other countries including the US, the UK, Israel, France, Australia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Singapore.