India and Japan Strengthen Defence Ties: Key Discussions in Tokyo

In a pivotal meeting in Tokyo, India and Japan explored ways to enhance their defense cooperation, focusing on emerging sectors such as cyber security and technological innovation. Both nations expressed satisfaction with their growing alignment on regional security issues and committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The discussions, led by high-ranking officials from both countries, reviewed significant progress in their bilateral defense engagements and emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges. This meeting follows a recent summit between the two nations, underscoring their commitment to strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 13, 2026, 16:37 IST

Strengthening Bilateral Defence Cooperation

New Delhi: In a significant bilateral meeting held in Tokyo, India and Japan explored avenues to enhance collaboration in various emerging sectors, including defense industrial partnerships, technological advancements, cyber security, and space exploration, according to officials.

Both nations expressed their contentment with the increasing alignment on regional and global security matters, committing to work closely in the Indo-Pacific region. They emphasized the importance of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, grounded in respect for international law.

The eighth Defence Policy Dialogue took place in Tokyo, led by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Japan's Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs, Kano Koji.

Discussions encompassed the current regional and global security landscape, with both sides sharing insights on mutual interests.

The dialogue reviewed a wide range of bilateral defense engagements, including military exchanges, cooperation between joint headquarters, maritime collaboration, defense exercises, capacity building, and technology cooperation, particularly in maritime technology.

The delegations also focused on enhancing cooperation in emerging sectors, reaffirming their commitment to shared strategic interests.

This meeting followed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent visit to India for the 16th annual summit, marking her first official trip to the country.

During the Tokyo discussions, both parties acknowledged the substantial progress in defense cooperation since their last dialogue and reiterated their dedication to fortifying the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

They recognized the steady growth of defense collaboration and highlighted the necessity of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue.

The potential outcomes of upcoming ministerial visits, including a 2+2 meeting later this year, were also on the agenda.

Defence Secretary Singh commended Japan's ongoing engagement in the defense sector and stressed the importance of enhancing practical cooperation within the framework of their partnership.

Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan's commitment to expanding defense relations with India in key areas.

Earlier, Singh met with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, delivering greetings from India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Both sides reiterated the growing momentum of their strategic partnership.

Singh also extended an invitation for Koizumi to visit India at the earliest convenience.

The visit commenced with Singh laying a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, honoring the sacrifices made by members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

This visit highlighted the deepening defense ties, mutual respect, and shared commitment of India and Japan towards ensuring peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.