Japan's Defence Vice Minister (International Affairs) Kano Koji (L) and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh pose for a photo during the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue, in Tokyo on Monday.
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Ten days after India and Japan entered into a partnership for co-production of Naval Radio Antenna “UNICORN” during Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi visit to New Delhi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is in Tokyo to deepen cooperation in emerging domains, including defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security, space and other areas of shared strategic interest.The move comes at a time when Japan, which continues to have face off with China, is giving a push to its defence manufacturing ecosystem and mass drone production to sustain long-drawn conflicts.Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, leading the Indian delegation, met with Japanese Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji. Both sides reviewed the significant progress made in bilateral defence cooperation since the previous Defence Policy Dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, the Ministry said in a statement on Monday.Priority areasKano Koji reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further expanding defence ties with India across priority areas.The two countries held comprehensive discussions on the prevailing regional and global security environment and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. The dialogue reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence engagements, including military-to-military exchanges, co-operation between joint headquarters, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building, defence equipment and technology cooperation including maritime technology, and enhanced institutional interactions.Both sides welcomed the steady expansion of defence cooperation and underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms. They discussed probable outcomes for the forthcoming Ministerial visits including 2+2 later this year.The two delegations also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in emerging domains, including defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security, space, and other areas of shared strategic interest.Growing convergenceBoth sides expressed satisfaction with the growing convergence between India and Japan on regional and global security issues and agreed to continue working closely in the Indo-Pacific. They reiterated their commitment to promoting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region founded on respect for international law.Defence Secretary appreciated Japan’s continued engagement with India in the defence sector and highlighted the importance of strengthening practical cooperation under the framework of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further expanding defence ties with India across priority areas.Japan has offered to transfer the complete design and local production rights of its advanced Mogami-class stealth frigates to India under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat frameworks.Published on July 13, 2026
