India and Japan reaffirmed their growing defence cooperation during a high-level meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani, in New Delhi. The discussions, which took place just six months after their last meeting in Laos, focused on joint efforts in defence production, emerging technologies, and regional security.

General Nakatani was welcomed with full military honours in the national capital. A ceremonial Tri-Services Guard of Honour was accorded to him, and he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in tribute to India’s fallen heroes. This marked the beginning of his official visit ahead of the bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment.

Rajnath Singh began the meeting by thanking the Japanese government for its strong expression of solidarity after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. He recalled his earlier meeting with Nakatani in Laos in November 2024 and expressed confidence that the growing relationship would reach new heights.

Rajnath Singh commended Nakatani for his critical role in deepening Indo-Japan defence relations. He noted the significance of key agreements signed during Nakatani’s earlier tenure, including the Defence Equipment and Technical Cooperation Agreement and the Protection of Military Information Agreement. Singh added that with Nakatani back in charge, cooperation is expected to scale up further.

A major takeaway from the meeting was the discussion on co-producing next-generation engines for fighter jets and tanks. India is looking to tap into Japan’s long-standing experience in building tanks and aero-engines, which dates back nearly a century. Rajnath Singh highlighted the capabilities of India’s defence industry and pitched for collaboration in these high-technology sectors.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in new-age domains like Artificial Intelligence, automation, and defence technology innovation. Rajnath Singh cited examples such as India’s defence shipyards maintaining US warships as proof of India’s growing strength in maintenance and overhaul services. Industrial collaboration is now set to extend into niche and futuristic areas.

Both ministers decided to work closely in the fields of cyber security and outer space—two increasingly critical areas in modern warfare. These new frontiers of cooperation aim to strengthen the technological edge of both countries in ensuring national and regional security.

Maritime security featured as a key component of the talks. Rajnath Singh and Gen Nakatani reaffirmed the need to bolster joint efforts in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region. They agreed to add new dimensions to their already strong maritime cooperation, reflecting the shared strategic vision of both countries.

A press release from India’s Ministry of Defence reiterated that the India-Japan friendship gained fresh energy after being elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security have since become crucial pillars of the bilateral relationship. The growing convergence in outlook, especially on regional peace and security, is driving the expanding defence partnership.

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