Indian Economy News

India and Japan agree to deepen defence technology partnership; Sign MoA on Maritime Security Cooperation

India and Japan have agreed to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on maritime security, defence technology and strategic coordination. The India-Japan Defence Ministers Meeting was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Mr. Shinjiro Koizumi. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence ties and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. The discussions highlighted the importance of protecting sea lines of communication, ensuring freedom of navigation and maintaining unimpeded lawful commerce across the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. India’s MAHASAGAR vision and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Initiative were also highlighted as important frameworks for closer cooperation. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination through naval ship and unit visits, joint exercises, personnel and subject matter expert exchanges, and logistical support, including the use of ports and maintenance and repair facilities.

The two countries also welcomed the continued expansion of bilateral defence exercises, including the Japan-India Army exercise Dharma Guardian and the Japan-India Maritime Exercise JAIMEX, along with progress in preparations for the Japan-India Air Force Exercise Veer Guardian 26, scheduled to be held this year. The meeting also recognised the importance of expanding cooperation in defence technology and supporting greater defence industrial collaboration under the Make in India initiative. The strengthened partnership is aimed at enhancing maritime security, interoperability and operational coordination between the two countries while contributing to regional stability and resilience. India and Japan are also set to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations next year, providing an opportunity to further strengthen their longstanding strategic partnership.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.