Rajnath Singh, Japan Minister Discuss Security Ties

In a major move to strengthen bilateral defence ties, Raksha Mantri held an important meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Mr. Gen Nakatani on May 5, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This high-level dialogue provided a vital opportunity to bolster the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, tackle key regional security challenges, and chart new paths for advanced defence collaboration.

United Stand Against Terrorism

A key highlight of the meeting was the strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms by both defence ministers. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh expressed serious concerns over Pakistan’s state policy of cross-border terrorism, emphasizing that such acts—carried out through both state and non-state actors—threaten regional peace and security. He called for a unified global stance against terrorism, urging for decisive international cooperation to combat state-sponsored acts of violence.

The Japanese Defence Minister Mr. Gen Nakatani extended condolences for the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which occurred on April 22, 2025, and expressed Japan’s full support to India in its fight against terrorism. This show of solidarity underlined the shared commitment of both nations to uphold peace, stability, and democratic values in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Strengthening the India-Japan Strategic Defence Partnership

The bilateral meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the defence and security pillars of their strategic partnership. The Ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening defence cooperation, promoting regional stability, and enhancing maritime security.

Key outcomes from the meeting included:

• Expansion of Defence Exercises: Both sides welcomed the increased frequency and diversity of joint military exercises, agreeing to enhance the scope and complexity of future engagements, especially in maritime domains.
• Enhanced Maritime Security Cooperation: Recognizing the increasing strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region, the two Ministers agreed to further strengthen India-Japan maritime cooperation by introducing new areas of collaboration. This initiative aims to uphold the principles of freedom of navigation, ensure safe and secure sea lanes, and promote adherence to international maritime laws.
• Defence Industry Collaboration: Shri highlighted the emerging capabilities of the Indian defence industry, particularly in Tank engines, Aero Engines, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. He invited Japanese firms to explore partnerships in these sectors.
• Technology and AI: The Ministers agreed to explore collaborations in advanced and niche domains, such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, and space technologies—a step that will pave the way for futuristic military preparedness.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Vision and Values

India and Japan share a longstanding and trusted relationship that was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. The recent bilateral meeting marked another important step forward in this evolving alliance. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration—not only for mutual advancement but also to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Honoring the Fallen: Ceremonial Tributes

Prior to the meeting, Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani paid his respects at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, laying a wreath in honor of the fallen Indian heroes. He was also accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a Tri-Services Guard of Honour, underscoring the warm diplomatic ties and mutual respect shared between the two nations.

Looking Ahead

As the dialogue concluded, both sides expressed a strong and shared commitment to enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on joint research, industrial tie-ups, and technology sharing. With aligned visions for a secure, rules-based Indo-Pacific and mutual interest in countering emerging threats, the India-Japan defence partnership is poised for a robust and future-forward trajectory.

This meeting reaffirms the importance of strategic dialogue, mutual trust, and comprehensive defence cooperation in navigating today’s complex global security environment. The India-Japan partnership continues to stand as a beacon of democratic solidarity and strategic synergy in the Indo-Pacific region.