India and Japan have agreed to strengthen defence equipment and technology cooperation following the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security, the UNICORN project, and closer collaboration under the Quad framework.nippet
Key Highlights
- India and Japan agreed to expand defence equipment and technology cooperation.
- Progress made on the UNICORN defence technology project.
- Both countries will enhance maritime security and defence industrial collaboration.
- The next India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Meeting will be held in Tokyo this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with defence equipment and technology cooperation emerging as a key priority during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi.
Welcoming Japan’s review of its three principles on the transfer of defence equipment and technology, Prime Minister Modi said the move would further strengthen bilateral defence ties. According to the Joint Statement, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in defence and security cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.
The two Prime Ministers directed their Defence and Foreign Ministers to convene the fourth India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo by the end of this year. They also welcomed the successful conduct of JAIMEX 25 and appreciated Japan’s participation in the International Fleet Review 2026 held in Visakhapatnam.
Both sides agreed to deepen maritime security cooperation through expanded naval exercises, maritime domain awareness using satellite capabilities, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) collaboration, and defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. They also confirmed that an agreement in principle has been reached on the remaining technical aspects of the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) project, paving the way for its early implementation.
The leaders further reaffirmed their commitment to the Quad, highlighting cooperation in maritime security, critical minerals, emerging technologies, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and economic security. They agreed that stronger India-Japan cooperation would contribute to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Conclusion
The summit reflects the growing strategic trust between India and Japan, with both countries accelerating cooperation in defence technology, maritime security and regional stability, while reinforcing their shared vision for a secure Indo-Pacific.
