New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted new opportunities for India-Japan Defence Cooperation by inviting Japanese companies and startups to partner with Indian firms under the Make in India initiative. During a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi, PM Modi stressed the importance of defence co-development and co-production to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The discussions reflect the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan as both countries seek deeper cooperation in defence technology, maritime security, and indigenous manufacturing.
PM Modi Highlights Strong India-Japan Defence Partnership
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to India. The Prime Minister outlined his vision for expanding the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. He emphasized that stronger defence and security cooperation is important for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
PM Modi also welcomed greater participation from Japanese companies and startups in India’s rapidly growing defence manufacturing sector. He encouraged collaboration through co-development and co-production projects under the Make in India framework.
Why India-Japan Defence Cooperation Matters
Defence co-development allows countries to jointly design and build advanced military technologies. Such partnerships help reduce dependence on imports while promoting domestic manufacturing, technology transfer, innovation, and job creation. These goals are closely aligned with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. For Japan, partnering with Indian defence companies offers access to one of the world’s fastest-growing defence markets and manufacturing ecosystems.
India And Japan Expand Maritime Security Cooperation
The meeting came shortly after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held detailed talks with Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi. Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime security and strengthen naval coordination throughout the Indo-Pacific region. A Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation was also signed. The agreement focuses on:
- Maritime Domain Awareness
- Information sharing
- Search and Rescue operations
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
- Enhanced naval cooperation and exercises
These initiatives are aimed at ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
India-Japan Defence Cooperation: Joint Naval Shipbuilding And Defence Manufacturing On Agenda
India and Japan are also exploring opportunities for cooperation in naval shipbuilding and design. Officials from both countries discussed leveraging Japan’s technological expertise and India’s manufacturing capabilities to develop advanced maritime platforms and defence systems. This cooperation could open new opportunities for Indian shipyards and defence manufacturers while strengthening regional maritime security.
Focus On Make In India Defence Manufacturing
The Make in India initiative has become a key pillar of India’s defence strategy. The government has been encouraging foreign companies to partner with Indian firms for manufacturing, research, and technology development. The objective is to increase indigenous production and reduce reliance on imported military equipment.
PM Modi’s latest remarks reinforce India’s commitment to creating a strong domestic defence industrial base with support from trusted international partners like Japan.
Defence Technology Cooperation Set To Grow
India and Japan have already started working on defence technology projects. Earlier this year, both countries announced their first defence co-development project involving a naval communication system. The agreement marked a major milestone in bilateral defence cooperation.
The latest discussions indicate that both sides are interested in expanding cooperation into new areas, including advanced defence technologies, research and development, military exercises, and industrial collaboration.
India-Japan Defence Cooperation: Strategic Importance For The Indo-Pacific
India and Japan share a common vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. As regional security challenges continue to evolve, both nations view stronger defence cooperation as essential for maintaining stability and protecting critical maritime routes.
The growing partnership also supports broader strategic initiatives such as maritime security, supply chain resilience, and emerging defence technologies.
FAQs
PM Modi discussed expanding India-Japan defence cooperation and invited Japanese companies to partner with Indian firms and startups under the Make in India initiative.
Defence co-development refers to two countries jointly designing, developing, and manufacturing military technologies and equipment to strengthen defence capabilities and technological self-reliance.
The partnership helps strengthen Indo-Pacific security, boosts defence manufacturing, promotes technology sharing, and supports maritime stability in the region.
