India, Japan Reaffirm Strategic Defence Ties at 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo

Rajesh Kumar Singh and Kano Koji co-chaired the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on Monday, reviewing the growing defence partnership between India and Japan and reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region .

During the dialogue, both sides assessed the significant progress achieved in bilateral defence cooperation since the previous meeting and reiterated their resolve to further strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership . The discussions covered a wide range of security and defence issues, including the evolving regional and global security environment and matters of mutual strategic interest.

The two delegations reviewed the full spectrum of defence engagement between the two countries, including military-to-military exchanges, cooperation between joint headquarters, maritime security cooperation, defence exercises, capacity-building initiatives, defence equipment and technology collaboration, and institutional interactions .

Officials welcomed the steady expansion of bilateral defence ties and emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements and dialogue mechanisms. They also discussed expected outcomes from forthcoming ministerial-level exchanges, including the India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue scheduled later this year.

A key focus of the talks was expanding cooperation in emerging and strategic domains. Both countries explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in defence industrial partnerships, technological innovation, cybersecurity, space cooperation, and advanced maritime technologies . The two sides expressed satisfaction over their increasing convergence on regional and global security issues and agreed to continue close coordination in the Indo-Pacific.

The dialogue reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Japan to upholding international law, regional stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the importance of strengthening practical cooperation under the framework of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, while Kano Koji reiterated Japan’s commitment to expanding defence relations with India across priority sectors.

Earlier in the day, Rajesh Kumar Singh met Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and conveyed greetings from India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He also extended an invitation for the Japanese Defence Minister to visit India at the earliest opportunity.

The Indian Defence Secretary began his visit by laying a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces who made the supreme sacrifice in service to their nation. The visit underscored the growing depth of India-Japan defence cooperation and their shared commitment to peace, security and stability across the Indo-Pacific.