New Delhi, India — India and Japan have launched a new AI Dialogue to boost cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and decided to convene a Joint Working Group on critical minerals under their shared economic security framework.
The announcement came during the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi, marking an important step in strengthening the India-Japan strategic partnership in technology and supply-chain resilience.
The initiative reflects growing global focus on technological cooperation and diversification of critical mineral ties amid shifting geopolitics and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Background of India Japan AI Dialogue
During high-level talks between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the two sides reaffirmed their “Special Strategic and Global Partnership.”
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The discussions covered multiple areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, technology and innovation, defence, and people-to-people exchanges. Both nations underlined the significance of continued economic engagement and global partnerships at a time of rising geopolitical uncertainties.
Such dialogues are part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration after the 15th annual India-Japan Summit held in Tokyo last year, where leaders outlined a shared vision for robust tech and economic ties.
Launch of the India-Japan AI Dialogue
At the core of the new initiatives is the AI Dialogue, launched jointly by India and Japan to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence.
The Dialogue aims to:
- Facilitate policy coordination on AI governance.
- Promote joint research, innovation, and development.
- Enhance collaboration on ethical and inclusive AI technologies.
The AI Dialogue will be led at the official level by Foreign Ministry representatives from both countries, enabling a structured mechanism for exchange and engagement.
This step builds on past cooperation frameworks between India and Japan in the AI sector and reinforces both countries’ commitment to future-ready technologies.
India Japan AI Dialogue: Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals
Another major outcome of the Strategic Dialogue was the decision to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Critical Minerals in early 2026.
What are the Importance of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals — including rare earth elements and other key inputs — are essential components for high-tech industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and defence systems.
Disruptions in global supply chains, especially amid rising competition for rare earths, have made reliable and diversified sourcing increasingly important.
The JWG will focus on:
- Expanding collaboration on rare earth and other critical mineral supply chains.
- Identifying sustainable and secure sources for essential minerals.
- Aligning policy and strategic frameworks to enhance economic security.
By institutionalizing this cooperation, India and Japan aim to build resilience and long-term stability in sectors critical to their economic and technological goals.
Economic Security Dialogue and Private Sector Engagement
In addition to the AI Dialogue and JWG on critical minerals, both nations agreed to:
- Conduct a private-sector dialogue under the economic security initiative to strengthen public-private cooperation.
- Organize the second round of the Economic Security Dialogue led by India’s Foreign Secretary and Japan’s Vice-Minister.
These mechanisms will help bridge government-to-government strategies with business-driven execution, especially in tech and strategic industries.
What Comes Next
Both sides have signaled that meetings for the AI Dialogue and Joint Working Group will be scheduled in early 2026, with continued discussions planned throughout the year.
The two nations are also looking forward to celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, further underscoring their long-term partnership.
India and Japan’s focus on AI and critical minerals highlights not only technological cooperation but also joint efforts toward economic resilience and global strategic collaboration.
