Tokyo: The India Japan Defence Policy Dialogue concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to promoting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific while strengthening bilateral defence cooperation across emerging strategic domains. During the eighth edition of the dialogue held in Tokyo, senior defence officials from both nations reviewed regional and global security developments and explored new opportunities to deepen military, technological and maritime collaboration.
The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, while Japan was represented by Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji. The two sides exchanged views on the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and discussed ways to enhance strategic cooperation amid growing regional challenges.
India Japan Defence Policy Dialogue Focuses on Strategic Cooperation
Both countries reviewed the significant progress achieved since the previous Defence Policy Dialogue and expressed satisfaction over the expanding scope of bilateral defence engagement. Discussions covered defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security, space cooperation and other areas of shared strategic interest.
The dialogue also examined the full spectrum of defence cooperation, including military-to-military exchanges, coordination between joint headquarters, maritime security initiatives, joint defence exercises, capacity building programmes, defence equipment collaboration and maritime technology partnerships. Officials agreed that strengthening institutional engagement would help both countries address emerging security challenges more effectively.
Indo-Pacific Security Remains Central to Bilateral Partnership
India and Japan underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability and freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides reiterated that adherence to international law and a rules-based order remains essential for ensuring regional security and sustainable economic growth.
The two countries also welcomed the steady expansion of high-level engagements and discussed preparations for upcoming ministerial interactions, including the next India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, expected later this year. The mechanism has become one of the key platforms for reviewing defence and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Growing Defence Partnership Expands into New Domains
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh appreciated Japan’s continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with India under the framework of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. He highlighted the importance of expanding practical collaboration in defence manufacturing, advanced technologies and operational cooperation.
Vice Minister Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to broadening defence ties across priority sectors. Earlier in the day, Rajesh Kumar Singh also called on Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and conveyed greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the growing momentum of bilateral strategic relations.
India and Japan Have Deepened Defence Cooperation in Recent Years
India and Japan have steadily expanded defence cooperation over the past decade through regular military exercises, maritime partnerships and strategic dialogues. Bilateral naval exercise JIMEX, the multilateral Malabar Exercise, and increasing collaboration under the Quad framework have strengthened interoperability between the armed forces of both countries while promoting a stable Indo-Pacific region.
The Special Strategic and Global Partnership has also expanded beyond defence to include infrastructure, economic cooperation, supply chain resilience, critical technologies and semiconductor collaboration. As regional security challenges evolve, both countries continue to place greater emphasis on defence technology sharing, cyber resilience and maritime domain awareness.
Regular High-Level Dialogue to Drive Future Cooperation
Officials from both countries agreed that regular dialogue and institutional mechanisms remain essential for advancing the strategic partnership. They expressed confidence that future engagements would further strengthen defence cooperation while supporting regional peace, security and stability.
The latest India Japan Defence Policy Dialogue reflects the growing convergence between New Delhi and Tokyo on strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific. As both nations continue to enhance cooperation in defence, technology and maritime security, the partnership is expected to play an increasingly important role in maintaining a balanced, secure and rules-based regional order.
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