India and Japan held high-level talks in New Delhi on September 22 to strengthen defence cooperation and regional security. The discussions covered defence technology, joint military exercises and coordination on Indo-Pacific security.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met a visiting delegation of Japanese parliamentarians led by Taro Kono, Director General for International Cooperation of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party. Both sides exchanged views on expanding practical cooperation between their defence establishments.
The talks come as India and Japan continue to deepen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Both countries have increased defence exchanges and military cooperation in recent years.
Focus on Defence Technology and Joint Exercises
During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities to expand defence technology collaboration. They also examined ways to strengthen joint military exercises and improve coordination on regional security issues.
India and Japan conduct regular exercises involving their armed forces. These engagements provide opportunities for personnel from both countries to share operational experience and improve interoperability.
Most recently, the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force concluded Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Jodhpur on September 22. The 14-day exercise involved advanced flying missions, mission planning, technical exchanges and aerospace safety discussions.
The exercise featured Indian Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale aircraft, while Japan participated with F-2A fighter aircraft. The engagement also included professional exchanges between personnel from both air forces.
Regional Security Remains a Key Priority
Regional security formed another important part of the India-Japan discussions. Both countries have expressed support for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
At the July India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, officials reviewed military exchanges, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building and defence equipment and technology cooperation. They also discussed emerging areas such as cyber security, space and defence industrial collaboration.
The two sides also exchanged views on the broader regional and global security environment. They agreed to maintain close engagement on issues of mutual interest.
Economic Security and Supply Chains
The latest Japanese parliamentary delegation also discussed economic security with Indian officials. The talks covered supply-chain resilience, commerce, investment, technology and innovation.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the delegation met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri before meeting the Defence Secretary. The discussions explored ways to maintain momentum across several areas of bilateral cooperation.
Both countries have increasingly linked defence cooperation with economic security. Reliable supply chains, advanced technology and industrial capacity have become important parts of their wider strategic relationship.
Japanese Lawmakers Visit Indian Technology Centres
The Japanese delegation also visited major technology and research institutions in Bengaluru. Its members visited the Indian Institute of Science, the Indian Space Research Organisation and Bharat Electronics Limited.
The visits provided Japanese lawmakers with an opportunity to observe India’s capabilities in research, space and defence technology. They also highlighted potential areas for future cooperation.
The Indian Embassy in Japan said cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology, space, defence and startups forms an important part of the bilateral partnership.
Defence Partnership Gains Momentum
India and Japan have expanded their defence relationship through high-level dialogues, military exercises and technology cooperation.
In August, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited India and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, Modi highlighted opportunities for Japanese companies to partner with Indian firms and startups in defence co-development and co-production under the Make in India initiative.
The two countries have also discussed strengthening defence industrial cooperation and developing practical partnerships in emerging technologies.
India-Japan Partnership and the Indo-Pacific
The latest talks reflect the broader expansion of India-Japan cooperation across defence, technology and economic security.
For New Delhi and Tokyo, defence cooperation remains closely connected with regional stability. Regular military exercises and policy dialogues provide channels for both sides to exchange views and develop greater operational coordination.
Meanwhile, cooperation in technology, space, AI and supply-chain resilience is adding new dimensions to the relationship. Both countries are expected to continue strengthening these areas through established bilateral mechanisms.
As India and Japan deepen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, defence and regional security are likely to remain central to their engagement. The latest discussions in New Delhi underline the continued focus on practical cooperation and closer coordination in the Indo-Pacific.