Defence, AI, energy: India-Japan expand strategic horizon

With over 100 business agreements and fresh investment commitments, India and Japan reinforce a partnership built on trust and regional stability

India and Japan on Thursday unveiled a series of landmark initiatives, including a new economic partnership framework, a defence agreement to co-develop military hardware and measures to strengthen energy security against global oil shocks, following summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi.

The major outcomes of the meeting included a declaration on economic security, a joint statement on cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and an agreement to strengthen collaboration across the energy supply chain. The two sides also finalised the India-Japan Next-Generation Mobility Partnership Framework to expand cooperation in shipbuilding, aviation and logistics.

Addressing the media after the talks, Modi said the current global environment has made economic and energy security more important than ever.

“In today’s era of uncertainty, both India and Japan fully understand the importance of economic security and energy security. Keeping this in mind, we have prepared a joint roadmap for economic security,” Modi said.

He said the roadmap would strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technology and advanced materials.

The two leaders also discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific region, where China’s growing military assertiveness has heightened geopolitical concerns.

“Today, both India and Japan are among the world’s largest economies. A free, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority,” Modi said.

“As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have launched several significant initiatives today. Together, we will pave the way for peace, stability and progress across the region.”

On energy security, Modi said the two countries had taken several significant decisions to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the clean energy transition.

“Through the India-Japan Bio-gas Initiative, we will receive assistance in setting up 1,000 biogas and organic fertiliser plants in India,” he said, adding that the initiative would boost sustainability, rural prosperity and livelihoods.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen energy resilience to tackle disruptions such as oil shocks.

“Furthermore, our cooperation in batteries, green hydrogen and nuclear energy will make a vital contribution to the world’s clean energy future,” Modi said.

Describing economic security as “shared security” and the energy transition as a “shared opportunity”, Modi said both countries would work together to advance this agenda.

Highlighting the growing economic partnership, Modi said more than 100 new business agreements had been signed over the past year, paving the way for over $10 billion in fresh Japanese investment in India.

“Our goal is clear: to achieve Japanese investment of 10 trillion yen in India over the next 10 years and to double the number of Japanese companies operating in the country,” he said.

Modi said the Indian and Japanese economies were complementary and that the bilateral relationship rested on “unshakeable mutual trust”.

A key outcome of the summit was the signing of the first India-Japan defence co-development agreement.

“This project for a naval radio antenna will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership. We will now jointly develop defence technologies that will strengthen regional peace, maritime security and the rules-based order,” Modi said.

The two sides also signed agreements in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechnology.

Referring to the India-Japan Next-Generation Mobility Partnership Framework, Modi said it would build on the success of bilateral cooperation in the automobile sector.

“Through this framework, we will now replicate the success story achieved in the automotive sector across shipbuilding, aviation and logistics,” he said.

He also said the convergence of Japan’s precision engineering and India’s software capabilities would provide fresh momentum to cooperation in artificial intelligence.

The two prime ministers carried out a comprehensive review of bilateral ties covering trade and investment, economic security, energy, emerging technologies, defence and people-to-people exchanges.

“Our relationship rests on unbreakable mutual trust,” Modi said.

The leaders also witnessed the exchange of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements covering economic security, clean energy, critical technologies, and research and development.

India and Japan also agreed on a calendar of activities to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

In his remarks, Modi underlined the strength of the bilateral partnership.

“Just a few days ago, at the G7 Summit, I had said that in today’s atmosphere of global upheaval, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset. I am proud that the India-Japan partnership stands fully tested on this touchstone,” he said.

Takaichi, who is on a three-day visit to India, said Japan was committed to strengthening economic growth through investment and innovation.

“I am committed to realising a strong economy and enhancing Japan’s supply chain and technological capabilities through investment in 17 strategic areas,” she said.

Referring to Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Takaichi said India and Japan shared the goal of building strong and prosperous nations through investments in the future.

“Prime Minister Modi launched Viksit Bharat, a national goal to make India a developed nation by 2047 and is strongly driving India’s growth. In this way, we share the goal of making our countries strong and prosperous through investments in the future,” she said.

India-Japan ties have witnessed significant expansion over the past decade. The relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014 and now spans trade, investment, economic security, defence, science and technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

As the two countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, the bilateral framework has expanded to include more than 70 dialogue mechanisms.

Modi last visited Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo in August last year. The annual summit continues to serve as the flagship platform for advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Delhi, Tokyo share warmth

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, during the joint press statement after the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, describing her as his “younger sister” and a “visionary and popular leader.” Beginning his address with “Meri chhoti behen (my younger sister) Prime Minister Takaichi,” PM Modi highlighted the deep cultural, spiritual and civilisational ties that underpin the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Takaichi acknowledged Modi’s gesture and her own address, saying the two leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties “as brother and sister.”