Rajnath Singh Holds Defence Talks With Japan's Shinjiro Koizumi

India and Japan review defence cooperation during talks between Rajnath Singh and Shinjiro Koizumi at ADMM-Plus in Cebu, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic ties and promoting a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific.

India and Japan have reviewed their ongoing defence cooperation and explored new avenues to strengthen their strategic partnership, with a focus on regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions reaffirm both countries’ commitment to expanding military engagement and promoting a free, open and peaceful regional order.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, in Cebu, the Philippines. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), which brings together ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to discuss defence cooperation and regional security challenges.

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During the meeting, Singh welcomed Koizumi and greeted him in Japanese. Recalling their previous engagement, the Indian defence minister expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral relations and reiterated India’s commitment to deepening cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

Singh highlighted the shared responsibility of India and Japan, as leading Asian democracies, to support peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. He later stated that their continued partnership remains important for maintaining a free, open and peaceful regional environment.

Koizumi thanked Singh for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence. Both sides discussed their ongoing partnership and opportunities to advance collaboration in response to evolving regional and international security challenges.

The meeting builds on broader India-Japan defence engagement, which includes military exercises, maritime security cooperation, personnel exchanges and collaboration in defence technology. During their previous meeting in New Delhi in August 2026, the two ministers discussed expanding maritime security cooperation, naval shipbuilding, ship repair, mine countermeasures and defence equipment development.

India and Japan maintain a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with defence cooperation forming a key component of their bilateral relationship. Both countries have also emphasised the importance of information sharing, operational coordination and cooperation to protect maritime routes and address emerging security concerns.

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Singh is visiting the Philippines to lead India’s delegation at the ADMM-Plus meeting scheduled for October 28-29. During the visit, he is holding bilateral discussions with defence counterparts from participating countries, including the United States and Australia, while further meetings with regional partners are also planned.

The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners, including India and Japan, to strengthen defence cooperation through dialogue and practical engagement. India’s participation reflects its continued diplomatic and security engagement with Southeast Asia under its Act East Policy.