Japan’s Vice Minister of Defence (International Affairs) Kano Koji (L) and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue, in Tokyo on Monday.
| Photo Credit: ANI
India and Japan on Monday reviewed the entire spectrum of their expanding defence cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration in emerging domains such as defence industry, cyber security, space and advanced technologies during the eighth India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue held in Tokyo.
The dialogue was led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Japan’s Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs, Kano Koji.
According to Ministry of Defence, the two sides assessed the progress made since the previous round of talks and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The discussions covered the regional and global security environment, with both countries exchanging views on issues of mutual strategic interest. They also reviewed ongoing defence engagements, including military-to-military exchanges, cooperation between the two countries’ joint headquarters, maritime cooperation, bilateral and multilateral exercises, capacity building, and defence equipment and technology collaboration, particularly in the maritime domain, it added.
The two sides welcomed the steady expansion of bilateral defence cooperation and stressed the importance of sustaining regular high-level exchanges and institutional dialogue. They also discussed preparations and expected outcomes of the India-Japan ministerial engagements, including the next India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Dialogue scheduled later this year.
Towards rules-based regional order
India and Japan also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security, space and other areas of shared strategic interest. Reiterating their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, both countries agreed to continue working closely to promote a free, open and rules-based regional order based on respect for international law.
During the visit, Mr. Singh called on Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and conveyed greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
He also extended an invitation from Mr. Singh to his Japanese counterpart to visit India at the earliest opportunity. Both leaders reaffirmed the growing momentum in bilateral defence ties and the importance of enhancing practical cooperation.
Earlier, the Defence Secretary laid a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who died in the line of duty.
The visit highlighted the growing strategic convergence between India and Japan as both countries continue to strengthen defence and security cooperation amid evolving geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific.
Published – July 13, 2026 05:40 pm IST
