India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence co-operation and advancing a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, as senior officials from both countries convened for the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo today.
The dialogue was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Japan’s Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs, Kano Koji, reflecting the growing strategic significance of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership amid an evolving regional security landscape.
The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral defence engagement since the previous policy dialogue, covering military-to-military exchanges, cooperation between joint headquarters, maritime security, joint exercises, defence capacity building, and collaboration in defence equipment and technology, including maritime systems.
Discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in emerging strategic domains such as defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cybersecurity, and space, highlighting both nations’ intent to build resilient and future-oriented defence partnerships.
Officials exchanged assessments of the prevailing regional and global security environment and expressed satisfaction with the increasing convergence of strategic interests. They reiterated their shared commitment to upholding international law and ensuring peace, security, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
Both delegations emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements and institutional dialogue mechanisms. They also reviewed preparations and expected outcomes for upcoming ministerial-level interactions, including the India–Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue scheduled for later this year.
During the meeting, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh welcomed Japan’s sustained engagement with India in the defence sector and stressed the importance of translating strategic intent into practical co-operation under the framework of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Vice Minister Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to broadening defence collaboration with India across key priority areas.
Earlier in the day, the Defence Secretary called on Japanese 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. Both leaders acknowledged the positive momentum in bilateral defence relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening strategic cooperation.
The Defence Secretary also paid tribute to the personnel of the Japan Self-Defense Forces by laying a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, honouring those who made the supreme sacrifice in service of their nation.
The successful conclusion of the 8th Defence Policy Dialogue underscores the steady expansion of India–Japan defence ties and reflects the two nations’ shared vision of enhancing interoperability, defence technology cooperation, and strategic coordination in support of a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
