India and Japan have discussed expanding their defence partnership, with particular attention to maritime security, naval technology and cooperation between their respective defence industries.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28, 2026.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: India and Japan reviewed bilateral defence cooperation and discussed new areas for collaboration.
Location: Cebu, Philippines, on the sidelines of the 13th ADMM-Plus.
Authority/Organisation: Indian Ministry of Defence and Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
Action Taken: The ministers reviewed maritime security, mine-countermeasure capabilities, possible naval shipbuilding cooperation, air-force engagement and defence-industry collaboration.
Impact: The talks may create opportunities for closer defence coordination, but proposed projects remain subject to further discussions and decisions.
According to official statements from both governments, the ministers welcomed progress made since their previous meeting in August and reviewed several areas where bilateral defence cooperation could be strengthened.
A key area of discussion was maritime security. Both sides reviewed efforts to improve mine-countermeasure capabilities and explored the possibility of joint development in naval shipbuilding and design. The discussions could combine Japan’s technological expertise with India’s shipbuilding and manufacturing capabilities.
However, the proposal remains an area for further exploration; the meeting announcement did not confirm a final joint shipbuilding agreement.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Closer India-Japan defence cooperation could support maritime security, technology exchange and the development of domestic defence-industrial capabilities. For India, possible collaboration in naval shipbuilding and design could provide opportunities to combine international expertise with local manufacturing capacity. Further cooperation in mine-countermeasure capabilities may also contribute to maritime operational readiness. Defence-industry engagement could open channels for companies from both countries to exchange expertise and explore future projects. The discussions also underline the importance both governments place on regional stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Nevertheless, the practical impact will depend on the agreements, projects, funding decisions and implementation steps that follow. Discussions alone do not confirm procurement contracts or completed technology transfers.
The ministers also reviewed cooperation between their air services following Exercise Veer Guardian 26, which included the first visit to India by Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft for an India-Japan air-force exercise.
Another area of engagement was defence-industry collaboration. The ministers noted the India-Japan Defence Industry Forum held at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, which brought together approximately 40 companies from the two countries.
The two sides further agreed to accelerate discussions on convening the fourth India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting, known as the “2+2” dialogue, as well as another bilateral defence ministers’ meeting in Tokyo later this year.
The discussions form part of the wider India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Both governments have emphasised the importance of a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.
