- 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue reviews expanding military, maritime and technology cooperation amid evolving regional security challenges
- New Delhi and Tokyo reaffirm commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific founded on respect for international law
- Defence industrial collaboration, cyber security, space, emerging technologies and maritime capabilities identified as next frontiers of strategic engagement
- Dialogue sets the stage for high-level ministerial exchanges, including the India–Japan 2+2 Ministerial Meeting later this year
NE FOREIGN BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 13
Reinforcing one of the Indo-Pacific’s most consequential strategic partnerships, India and Japan on Monday unveiled a broader roadmap for defence and security cooperation, deepening collaboration across military operations, advanced technologies and maritime security while reaffirming their shared vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
The 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue, held in Tokyo, brought together senior defence leadership from both countries to review the steady expansion of bilateral defence engagement and chart new avenues for strategic cooperation under the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, while the Japanese delegation was headed by Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji.
The two sides undertook a comprehensive review of the regional and global security environment and exchanged views on key geopolitical developments of mutual interest.
Discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral defence engagement, including military-to-military exchanges, cooperation between joint headquarters, maritime security, bilateral and multilateral defence exercises, capacity building, defence equipment and technology collaboration—particularly in maritime technologies—and enhanced institutional engagement.
Recognising the growing strategic convergence between the two democracies, both sides welcomed the steady expansion of defence ties and stressed the importance of sustaining regular high-level interactions and institutional dialogue.
The dialogue also laid the groundwork for forthcoming ministerial engagements, including the India–Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue expected later this year.
Reflecting the evolving nature of modern security challenges, India and Japan explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in defence manufacturing, technological innovation, cyber security, space, and other emerging strategic domains.
Both countries reiterated their shared commitment to preserving a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, anchored in respect for international law, while agreeing to work closely in promoting regional peace, stability and security.
During the discussions, Rajesh Kumar Singh appreciated Japan’s continued engagement with India in the defence sector and underlined the importance of expanding practical cooperation under the framework of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further broadening defence cooperation with India across priority areas of mutual strategic interest.
Earlier in the day, Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, conveying greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and extending an invitation for the Japanese Defence Minister to visit India at the earliest opportunity.
The Defence Secretary also commenced his official visit by laying a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their nation.
The visit underscored the growing depth of India–Japan defence ties, reflecting increasing strategic trust, mutual respect and a shared determination to strengthen peace, security and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
