India, Japan Discuss Defence, Trade and Economic Security During LDP Delegation Visit

A delegation of Japanese parliamentarians from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) held discussions with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across key strategic and economic areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The delegation, led by Taro Kono, Director General of the LDP’s International Bureau and a former Japanese defence and foreign minister, met Misri on Monday. The visit was part of the India-Japan Distinguished Visitors Programme, held from September 18 to 22. Other members of the delegation included Kenji Nakanishi, Deputy Chairperson of the LDP Policy Research Council; Karen Makishima, Acting Director of the LDP International Bureau; and Sakon Yamamoto.

According to the MEA, the discussions covered defence, economic security, trade and investment, supply-chain resilience, technology, innovation and people-to-people ties. Both sides stressed the need to maintain the positive momentum in the India-Japan relationship amid changing global economic and geopolitical conditions.

The Japanese delegation also highlighted the progress of India's deep-tech entrepreneurship, research and innovation ecosystem, while noting the scale of the country's economic development, manufacturing capabilities and opportunities for partner countries.

The two sides discussed the importance of strengthening economic security cooperation and building more resilient supply chains as part of efforts to reduce risks arising from global disruptions. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and Japan have an expansive relationship, including growing cooperation in economic security and defence, with the two countries also conducting joint military exercises.

On Japan's 10 trillion yen investment target in India over a decade, the MEA said progress was being made, with several Japanese companies already investing and more expected to enter critical sectors.

The ministry said both sides remain committed to advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, describing it as an important pillar for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.