Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi on Thursday, with the two sides discussing ways to further strengthen India-Japan defence and security cooperation.
During the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the importance of deepening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, particularly to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The Prime Minister also recalled his discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her visit to India for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in July. He noted the continued momentum in defence cooperation between the two countries.
A key focus of the discussion was expanding opportunities for Japanese companies and start-ups to work with Indian partners in the defence sector. PM Modi emphasised the potential for co-development and co-production of defence equipment under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Following the meeting, PM Modi said that the two countries had discussed ways to deepen defence and security ties. He described the India-Japan strategic partnership as an important pillar for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Koizumi, who was on an official visit to India, briefed PM Modi on the progress of bilateral defence cooperation. He also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further strengthening defence ties with India.
The Japanese Defence Minister’s visit comes amid growing efforts by New Delhi and Tokyo to expand cooperation in areas including maritime security, defence technology and industrial collaboration. The two countries have increasingly focused on strengthening their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
