India, Japan vow deeper defence ties, unite against terrorism

New Delhi, May 5: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, in New Delhi today to bolster bilateral military cooperation and deliver a joint denunciation of terrorism in all its forms. Meeting at the Manekshaw Centre, the two ministers reviewed the defence and security components of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The talks reaffirmed mutual commitment to regional stability and expanded military engagement, as both nations seek to navigate growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. A key theme of the meeting was counterterrorism. Rajnath Singh condemned Pakistan’s continued use of cross-border terrorism, facilitated by both state and non-state actors, describing such actions as deeply destabilising to regional peace. He called for a unified international stand against state-sponsored terrorism.

Minister Nakatani echoed the sentiment, offering condolences for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J&K, and pledged Japan’s full support to India in combating terrorism.

Beyond counterterrorism, the ministers welcomed the growing frequency and diversity of joint military exercises and exchanges between the two countries. They agreed to broaden the scope and complexity of such interactions, with a particular focus on enhancing maritime cooperation, an increasingly vital domain as both nations contend with China’s expanding footprint in regional waters. The talks also highlighted defence industrial collaboration. Rajnath Singh showcased India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, with particular emphasis on potential joint work in tank engines, aero engines, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. Both sides agreed to pursue greater cooperation in emerging technologies, notably in the fields of automation and artificial intelligence. They also committed to strengthening ties in cyber and space domains, signalling a forward-looking tilt in bilateral defence engagement. The meeting marks a continuation of the deepening defence ties between the two Asian democracies. Since the elevation of their relationship to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014, India and Japan have steadily expanded their cooperation in military, economic, and technological spheres.