India and Japan enter into partnership to deepen defence technology

The India-Japan Defence Ministers held talks to enhance maritime security, promote 'Make in India' defence technology, and build strategic trust. They signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation. The Defence Minister stated that the India-Japan relationship is based on shared democratic values and a long civilizational connection, noting that both countries will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations next year. He emphasized that maritime security faces growing threats, and ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful commerce is both an economic and strategic necessity. He pointed out that the security of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean is interconnected and that aligning India's MAHASAGAR vision with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Initiative is crucial.

Recalling the joint statement from July, the Ministers expressed a commitment to deepening defence cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. They agreed to improve coordination for protecting Sea Lines of Communications through mutual naval visits, joint exercises, and logistics support. The Ministers recognized the ongoing expansion of bilateral exercises, including the Japan-India Army exercise Dharma Guardian and the Japan-India Maritime Exercise JAIMEX. They also noted progress for the upcoming Japan-India Air Force exercise Veer Guardian 26, set for later this year.