India, Japan Boost Defence, Cyber Security Cooperation

Synopsis: India and Japan hold the 17th Foreign and Defence Vice-Ministerial Dialogue in Tokyo, reviewing progress in their Special Strategic and Global Partnership while expanding cooperation in defence, industrial collaboration, cybersecurity, semiconductors, economic security, and regional stability.

India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during the 17th Foreign and Defence Vice-Ministerial Dialogue held in Tokyo. Senior officials from both countries reviewed the progress of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership and discussed measures to deepen cooperation across defence, industrial collaboration, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and regional security, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two nations.

The Indian delegation was led by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi from the Ministry of Defence. The Japanese side was represented by Vice Foreign Minister Funakoshi Takehiro and Vice Defence Minister Kano Koji. The dialogue served as a key platform for reviewing ongoing bilateral initiatives and identifying new opportunities to strengthen the strategic partnership.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance defence and security cooperation, including expanding military exchanges, defence equipment collaboration, and industrial partnerships. They also reviewed the implementation of existing defence agreements and explored opportunities for closer cooperation in defence manufacturing and technology development. The officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime security and ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

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Economic security and advanced technology cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. India and Japan explored avenues for collaboration in semiconductors, resilient supply chains, digital technologies, cybersecurity, critical and emerging technologies, and innovation. Both countries recognised the importance of strengthening industrial partnerships to improve technological resilience and support sustainable economic growth amid evolving global geopolitical and economic challenges.

The dialogue also covered regional and global developments, with both sides exchanging views on the security situation in the Indo-Pacific and other international issues of mutual interest. They reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law while emphasising the need for closer coordination through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.

The latest round of talks reflects the growing momentum in India-Japan relations as both countries continue to broaden cooperation beyond traditional sectors. Officials from both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership and agreed to further strengthen collaboration in defence, technology, economic security, cyber security, and industrial development. The dialogue reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Japan to advancing a comprehensive partnership that supports regional stability, innovation, and long-term economic cooperation.