India, Japan sign maritime security pact to deepen Indo-Pacific cooperation
NEW DELHI: India and Japan on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation, signalling a significant step forward in their defence partnership. The agreement was concluded during bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi.
The MoA establishes a framework for closer operational cooperation between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. Areas of collaboration include information sharing, naval exercises, ship repair and logistics support. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence ties under the 'Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and working towards a free and open Indo-Pacific amid heightened global tensions.
The two sides strongly opposed unilateral actions that impede freedom and safety of navigation and overflight, as well as attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. This shared stance reflects their mutual concern over recent maritime challenges in the region.
The newly signed arrangement specifically covers Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), search and rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It also envisages reciprocal naval visits, joint exercises, personnel and subject matter expert exchanges, and logistical support, including access to ports and maintenance and repair facilities to protect Sea Lines of Communications.
India and Japan agreed to expand cooperation in mine countermeasures and to explore joint development in naval shipbuilding and design. This would leverage Japan's technological expertise and India's production capabilities. The two sides will also discuss greater use of India's shipbuilding capacity under the 'Make in India' framework, along with reciprocal provision of ship repair facilities.
The ministers welcomed the expansion of bilateral military exercises, including Dharma Guardian and JAIMEX, and the planned Veer Guardian 26 air exercise. For the first time, Japanese fighter aircraft will participate in an exercise on Indian soil. The two sides agreed to increase the complexity of exercises, integrate unmanned systems, and explore short-notice joint exercises.
Cooperation will extend to special operations forces, with enhanced exchanges planned. India's integrated theatre commands, once established, will also be part of this cooperation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed Japan's recent review of its defence equipment and technology transfer framework, which opens new avenues for deeper engagement.
The shipborne UNICORN integrated communications antenna system was identified as a symbol of the growing defence equipment partnership, with both sides committing to its early realisation. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) will deepen cooperation in advanced defence technologies. A Defence Industry Forum will also be convened to promote industrial collaboration.
To coordinate these efforts, the ministers agreed to establish a Working Group at the Director-General/Joint Secretary level. This group will oversee cooperation across operational, intelligence, equipment, technology and industrial domains.
Both sides also agreed to accelerate discussions for the fourth India-Japan '2+2' Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, scheduled to be held in Tokyo later this year. This high-level meeting will further consolidate the strategic partnership and address regional security challenges.
The agreement comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific region is witnessing increased naval activity and contested maritime claims. India and Japan's deepening maritime cooperation underscores their shared interest in upholding international law and ensuring stability in the region.
