Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Mr. Shinjiro Koizumi held the Japan-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on today, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific.
The meeting focused on expanding operational cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, while advancing collaboration in defence technology, shipbuilding, exercises, logistics, defence equipment and research and development.
A key outcome of the talks was the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of India. The agreement provides a framework for enhanced cooperation between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy, including information sharing for Maritime Domain Awareness, Search and Rescue, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
The two Ministers also agreed to strengthen coordination for the protection of Sea Lines of Communication through reciprocal naval visits, joint exercises, personnel and Subject Matter Expert exchanges, as well as logistical support involving port access and maintenance and repair facilities.
India and Japan further agreed to explore cooperation in mine countermeasures and examine the possibility of joint development in naval shipbuilding and design by leveraging Japan’s technological expertise and India’s production capabilities. Discussions will also continue on Japan’s use of Indian production capabilities under the Make in India framework.
The Ministers also concurred on progressing reciprocal access to ship repair facilities, including the conclusion of a ship repair arrangement in the near future.
Defence Exercises and Service-to-Service Cooperation:
The two sides welcomed the steady expansion of bilateral military exercises, including the Japan-India Army exercise Dharma Guardian and the Japan-India Maritime Exercise JAIMEX.
Particular emphasis was placed on the upcoming Veer Guardian 26, under which Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft will visit India and participate in the bilateral air exercise for the first time.
The Ministers agreed to further enhance the complexity and integration of bilateral exercises, including the incorporation of unmanned systems and the conduct of joint exercises at short notice when operational opportunities arise.
They also agreed to promote exchanges between the Special Operations Forces of the two countries and pursue cooperation with India’s integrated theatre commands following their establishment.
Defence Technology and Industrial Co-operation:
Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed Japan’s recent review of its framework governing the transfer of defence equipment and technology, expressing the expectation that it would contribute further to strengthening the India-Japan defence and technology partnership.
The two Ministers described the shipborne UNICORN integrated communications antenna system project as a significant milestone and the first defence equipment transfer project between the two countries. They reaffirmed their commitment to its early realisation.
Both sides also agreed to advance discussions on additional defence equipment and technology projects based on the operational requirements of their respective Services.
India’s DRDO and Japan’s ATLA will also deepen cooperation in advanced defence technologies. The two Ministers agreed to convene a Defence Industry Forum to further strengthen industrial engagement.
Expanding Indo-Pacific Partnerships:
The Ministers welcomed the first trilateral naval PASSEX involving India, Japan and Indonesia, conducted in February 2026, and agreed to deepen cooperation with third countries through high-level exchanges, exercises and other initiatives.
They also agreed to further promote cooperation through the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) to support partner countries during natural disasters by facilitating the transportation of personnel and supplies. The second IPLN tabletop exercise is scheduled to be held at Japan’s Ministry of Defense in September 2026.
The two sides also agreed to accelerate discussions towards convening the Fourth Japan-India Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting (2+2) in Tokyo later this year.
To ensure integrated implementation of the decisions taken by the two Defence Ministers, India and Japan agreed to establish a Working Group headed at the Director-General/Joint Secretary level. The group will coordinate cooperation across operational, intelligence, equipment, technology and industrial domains while respecting the sovereign choices and policies of both countries.
The Ministers also reiterated their readiness to hold consultations as necessary to contribute to the security of both countries and peace and stability in the region.
Japanese Defence Minister’s India Engagement:
Prior to the Defence Ministers’ meeting, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi paid homage to India’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and received the ceremonial Tri-Service Guard of Honour.
During his visit, he also visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai and Indian Naval Ship Chennai, providing an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of India’s maritime capabilities.
The latest engagements underscore the growing convergence between India and Japan on regional security and their shared commitment to a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific.
