India signs defense agreement with Japan

India and Japan have entered a new chapter in defense cooperation. Under their first-ever joint defense technology development project, New Delhi and Tokyo will work together to develop the ‘Unicorn’ radio antenna technology for the navy. The announcement came following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday.

Modi stated that this project will take the defense technology partnership between the two countries to new heights and will play a crucial role in strengthening maritime security and regional peace.

Citing the Modi-Takaichi meeting, Indian news agency PTI reported that Thursday's discussion emphasized expanding economic ties, strengthening resilient supply chains for semiconductors, and enhancing cooperation in critical technology sectors, alongside defense.

Modi extended a warm welcome to Takaichi, who is on her first visit to India to attend the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. He described the Japanese Prime Minister as a "popular leader" and even addressed her as his "younger sister." Referring to changing geopolitical situations and global alliance dynamics, Modi reiterated that the relationship between New Delhi and Tokyo is highly robust and resilient.

He told reporters, "Just a few days ago at the G7 Summit, I said that amidst today's global tensions, mutual trust is our biggest strategic asset. And I am proud that the India-Japan partnership has stood this test completely."

Modi also gratefully recalled Japan's contribution to India's domestic infrastructure and industrial modernization over the decades. He said, "Japan has played a vital role in India's growth story. Today, with the Prime Minister's visit, we are starting a new chapter of our global strategic partnership. Currently, both countries are part of the world's five largest economies. As the largest democratic region, we have undertaken several important initiatives. We will show the path of peace and stability."

The agreements signed
At the press conference, Modi announced that India and Japan have signed a significant agreement for cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He described this technology-sector partnership as the "strongest pillar" of bilateral cooperation. Modi said, "Prime Minister Takaichi and I believe that technological partnership will become the strongest pillar of our cooperation. To implement this vision, we have issued a joint statement on AI today. Several key institutions of India's AI ecosystem have signed agreements with their Japanese partners today."

Highlighting the significance of the agreement, he added, "The combination of Japan's precise technology and India's software expertise will provide a new momentum and energy to the development of AI globally."

Modi further mentioned that the two countries' first joint development project will aid the evolution of defense technology and reinforce "maritime security and regional peace." Detailizing the project, he said, "This project regarding the naval radio antenna 'Unicorn' will mark the beginning of a new chapter in our defense technology partnership."

Regarding the healthcare sector agreement, the Indian Prime Minister said this partnership will contribute to "global health security." He stated, "Through the agreements signed today in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology, we will contribute to global health security. By combining India's massive scale of operations and Japan's high quality in these areas, we will work towards providing the world with affordable, reliable, and advanced healthcare solutions."

Additionally, Modi noted, "Through the India-Japan Biogas Initiative, we will set up 1,000 biogas and organic fertilizer plants in India."