India, Japan agree to enhance defense cooperation

India and Japan have agreed to further strengthen their defense partnership, with a focus on maritime security, following bilateral talks between their defense ministers in New Delhi. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met and subsequently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding maritime security cooperation on Thursday.

In a joint statement, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense ties to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Discussions also covered expanding Japanese investment and technological collaboration within India’s defense manufacturing sector.

The two ministers agreed to explore joint development projects in warship design and construction, aiming to leverage Japan’s technological expertise alongside the manufacturing capabilities under India’s 'Make in India' initiative.

Both India and Japan are members of the Quad security dialogue, alongside the United States and Australia. The defense collaboration between the two nations is seen as a key counterweight to China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region.