According to an article in the Hindu newspaper dated August 20, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defense Minister Noburo Okazaki held bilateral talks in New Delhi on that day and signed a memorandum regarding maritime security cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in areas such as information sharing, naval exercises, ship maintenance, and logistics support. They also discussed the possibility of using 'Japanese technology' and 'Indian manufacturing' for joint projects.
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, the defense ministers of both countries stated during their talks in New Delhi that they are committed to furthering defense cooperation under the framework of the 'Japan-India Special Strategic Global Partnership'. They also announced that, as global tensions escalate, they will work together to achieve what they call an 'open and free Indo-Pacific region'.
Both sides “strongly oppose any unilateral action that obstructs maritime and aerial freedom and safety,” as well as any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.
According to reports, the newly signed maritime security arrangements provide a framework for closer cooperation between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. This framework covers areas such as maritime situational awareness, search and rescue operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
The foreign ministers of both countries also agreed to strengthen coordination. Specific measures include mutual visits to ports, joint exercises, exchanges of personnel and experts, as well as logistical support (including the right to use ports and maintenance facilities).
India and Japan also plan to promote deeper cooperation in anti-mine measures, and explore the possibility of joint research and development in ship construction and design, utilizing 'Japan's technical expertise' and 'India's manufacturing capabilities'.
The two parties will also discuss how to make more extensive use of India’s shipbuilding capabilities within the framework of “Made in India”, and commit to providing each other with ship maintenance facilities.
In addition, both countries are trying to promote exchanges between special operations forces, and will advance related cooperation after the establishment of the Indian Comprehensive War Zone Command.
Singh welcomed Japan's recent revision of the framework for defense equipment and technology transfer, and sought to deepen defense and technology cooperation. Both parties designated the shipborne "UNICORN" integrated communication antenna system as a symbolic project in their defense equipment partnership, and promised to achieve its application as soon as possible.
Finally, the foreign ministers of both countries agreed to establish a working group led by officials at the director/joint secretary level, to coordinate cooperation in areas such as warfare, intelligence, equipment, technology, and industry.
In July of last year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe conducted an official visit to India. This was his first visit to India since taking office. During the visit, both countries announced plans to deepen cooperation in defense, economy, and maritime security, as well as reaching cooperation agreements in areas such as artificial intelligence. Approximately 120 cooperation documents were signed between companies from both countries, with an estimated business value of over 2 trillion yen in India. The joint statement issued after the meeting also stated that "considering China, we oppose economic coercion."
After this meeting, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that international cooperation should not target or harm the interests of third parties, and should certainly not become an excuse for forming exclusive small groups or inciting confrontation.
