India and Japan held the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, where both countries reviewed the progress of bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The dialogue focused on expanding defence collaboration, emerging security domains, and promoting a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
- Purpose: To review progress in bilateral defence cooperation and strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
- The dialogue also served as a preparatory meeting for the upcoming India–Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue later this year.
Key Outcomes of Dialogue
Defence Industrial Collaboration
- Both countries discussed:
- Expanding defence industrial cooperation.
- Promoting joint technological innovation.
- Encouraging co-development and co-production of defence technologies.
- The collaboration aims to strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing capabilities of both countries.
Cooperation in Emerging Security Domains
India and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging strategic sectors, including:
- Cyber security.
- Space.
- Defence technology.
- Other advanced strategic domains of mutual interest.
Indo-Pacific Cooperation
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to:
- A Free, Open and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
- Maritime security.
- Freedom of navigation.
- Respect for international law, including UNCLOS.
- Expanding joint naval and military exercises.
High-Level Defence Engagement
- Both sides welcomed the steady expansion of bilateral defence cooperation.
- They emphasized the importance of:
- Regular high-level visits.
- Institutional dialogue mechanisms.
- Continuous defence consultations.
Preparation for 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
- The Defence Policy Dialogue served as an important preparatory step for the forthcoming India–Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
- Discussions also covered the probable agenda and expected outcomes of future ministerial-level engagements.
Areas of Defence Cooperation
The dialogue reviewed progress and explored cooperation in:
- Defence industrial collaboration.
- Technological innovation.
- Cyber security.
- Space cooperation.
- Maritime security.
- Joint military exercises.
- Strategic and regional security issues.
India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership
India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has become one of India’s most significant bilateral strategic relationships.
Major Pillars
- Defence and security cooperation.
- Economic partnership.
- Infrastructure development.
- Technology and innovation.
- Indo-Pacific cooperation.
- Supply chain resilience.
- Connectivity projects.
- Maritime security.