New DelhiPrime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted growing opportunities for India and Japan to jointly develop and manufacture defence equipment, encouraging Japanese companies to partner with Indian firms and start-ups under the Make in India initiative.
During a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi, the two sides discussed strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with defence technology, industrial cooperation and maritime security emerging as key priorities.
Modi emphasised that deeper defence and security cooperation between India and Japan can contribute to peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific. Koizumi reaffirmed Japan's commitment to expanding bilateral defence ties and briefed the Prime Minister on ongoing cooperation.
The engagement followed talks between Koizumi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which produced a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation. The framework seeks closer coordination between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force in areas including Maritime Domain Awareness, information sharing, Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and protection of Sea Lines of Communication.
Both countries also agreed to explore joint naval shipbuilding and design, combining Japan's technological expertise with India's expanding defence manufacturing capacity. Cooperation between DRDO and Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) is also expected to deepen in advanced defence technologies and research.
Another important area is the UNICORN integrated communications antenna system, described as the first defence equipment transfer project between India and Japan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the project.
Military-to-military engagement is also expanding through exercises including Dharma Guardian, JAIMEX and Veer Guardian 26, alongside proposed exchanges involving Special Operations Forces.
India and Japan additionally agreed to convene a Defence Industry Forum, providing another platform for companies from both countries to explore technology partnerships, co-development and manufacturing opportunities.
The developments signal a shift in India-Japan defence relations beyond exercises and strategic dialogue toward technology collaboration, maritime systems and defence industrial partnerships, with Make in India positioned as a central framework for future cooperation.On Date: