India and Japan Deepen Defence Ties in Emerging Domains at Tokyo Dialogue
India and Japan held their eighth Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on Monday, July 13, 2026, to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in emerging domains such as defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security, and space, officials said.
The meeting, led by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Japanese Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji, reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence engagements. These included military-to-military exchanges, joint headquarters cooperation, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building, and defence equipment and technology cooperation.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing convergence between the two countries on regional and global security issues. They reiterated their commitment to promoting a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region founded on respect for international law.
The dialogue followed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to India from July 1 to 3 for the 16th India-Japan annual summit—her first official visit to India.
During the Tokyo meeting, both sides reviewed significant progress made in bilateral defence cooperation since the previous dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. They welcomed the steady expansion of defence cooperation and underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms.
Discussions also included probable outcomes of forthcoming ministerial visits, including a 2+2 meeting later this year. Defence Secretary Singh appreciated Japan's continued engagement in the defence sector and highlighted the importance of practical cooperation under the partnership framework. Vice Minister Koji reaffirmed Japan's commitment to expanding defence ties with India across priority areas.
Earlier in the day, Singh called on Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, conveying greetings from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and extending an invitation for Koizumi to visit India at the earliest opportunity.
The visit began with Singh laying a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who made the supreme sacrifice in service of their nation.
The dialogue underscored the growing and deepening defence ties, mutual respect, and shared commitment of India and Japan towards peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the Defence Ministry stated.
