India and Japan have taken a major step toward strengthening their strategic defence partnership, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi agreeing to expand cooperation in maritime security, defence technology, military exercises and shipbuilding.
The two ministers held the Japan-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday and reaffirmed their commitment to the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership” as a key pillar of peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
India-Japan Back Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Singh and Koizumi stressed the importance of closer coordination amid heightened global and regional security tensions. They agreed to regularly share assessments of the international and regional security environment and strongly opposed unilateral actions that could undermine freedom and safety of navigation and overflight.
The ministers also rejected attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion, underlining their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The meeting followed the Japan-India Joint Statement issued by the leaders of both countries in July 2026, under which New Delhi and Tokyo pledged to further deepen their defence partnership.
Maritime Security Pact Signed
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation between the Japanese Ministry of Defense and India’s Ministry of Defence.
The agreement establishes a framework for expanding cooperation between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. It includes information sharing related to Maritime Domain Awareness, as well as stronger coordination in Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
Both sides also agreed to improve protection of vital Sea Lines of Communications through naval ship visits, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, subject matter expert exchanges and logistical cooperation.
The countries will explore greater use of ports, maintenance facilities and repair infrastructure to improve operational coordination.
India and Japan Eye Joint Naval Shipbuilding
The two defence ministers agreed to move quickly toward practical maritime cooperation and explore new opportunities in naval shipbuilding and defence production.
Japan’s technological expertise and India’s growing manufacturing capabilities will be leveraged to examine possibilities for joint development in naval shipbuilding and design. Both sides also agreed to explore greater use of Indian production capabilities under the “Make in India” framework.
The ministers further agreed to advance reciprocal access to ship repair facilities and work toward concluding a ship repair arrangement in the near future.
They also identified mine countermeasures as another area where both countries could maximize their technological and operational strengths.
Veer Guardian 26 to Boost Air Force Cooperation
India and Japan welcomed the continued expansion of their bilateral military exercises, including the Army exercise Dharma Guardian and the maritime exercise JAIMEX.
Particular importance was attached to Veer Guardian 26, the upcoming Japan-India Air Force exercise. For the first time, Japanese Air Self-Defence Force fighter aircraft are scheduled to travel to India to participate in the exercise.
The two countries also agreed to make future exercises more complex and integrated, including greater incorporation of unmanned systems and the possibility of conducting joint exercises at short notice when opportunities arise.
Cooperation between Special Operations Forces will also be strengthened, while Japan will pursue cooperation with India’s integrated theatre commands after their establishment.
Defence Technology Partnership Gets Fresh Push
Rajnath Singh welcomed Japan’s recent review of its framework governing the transfer of defence equipment and technology. He expressed confidence that the move would create greater opportunities for the two countries to deepen their defence and technology partnership.
The shipborne UNICORN integrated communications antenna system was highlighted as a landmark project because it represents the first defence equipment transfer initiative between India and Japan.
Both ministers committed themselves to working toward its early implementation.
Also Read: Lucknow Bank Employee Kills Wife, Sister Before Shooting Himself In Shocking Triple Death
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency will also deepen cooperation in advanced defence research and development. The two sides agreed to hold a Defence Industry Forum and continue discussions on additional defence equipment and technology projects based on operational requirements.
India, Japan to Expand Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The ministers welcomed the first trilateral naval PASSEX exercise involving India, Japan and Indonesia, conducted in February 2026. They agreed to expand cooperation with other Indo-Pacific countries through high-level exchanges, military exercises and other initiatives.
They also backed further cooperation through the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, which is designed to assist partner countries during natural disasters by facilitating the transportation of personnel and essential supplies.
The second tabletop exercise under the IPLN is scheduled to take place at Japan’s Ministry of Defense in September 2026.
India-Japan 2+2 Talks to Gain Momentum
Singh and Koizumi agreed to accelerate preparations for the fourth Japan-India Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting, commonly known as the “2+2” dialogue, which is expected to be held in Tokyo later this year.
They also agreed to maintain consultations whenever necessary to safeguard the security of both countries and contribute to regional peace and stability.
A new Working Group, headed at the Director-General/Joint Secretary level, will coordinate cooperation across operational, intelligence, equipment, technology and industrial domains.
The group is expected to bring greater integration to bilateral defence initiatives, identify synergies and accelerate implementation while respecting the sovereign choices and policies of both countries.
Before the meeting, Koizumi paid tribute to India’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and received a ceremonial Tri-Service Guard of Honour.
He also visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai and Indian Naval Ship Chennai, further highlighting the growing depth of defence and maritime ties between India and Japan.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
