In a significant move to enhance bilateral ties, Japan and India have pledged to strengthen cooperation across security, economic resilience, and advanced technology sectors. This commitment was made during a summit held in New Delhi between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region and voiced concerns over economic coercion and the evolving situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
A key focus of the discussions was on fortifying supply chains, especially in strategic sectors like semiconductors and critical minerals. The two nations agreed to expand their partnership by increasing joint military exercises and enhancing collaboration on naval vessel maintenance and defense equipment development. A notable development from the summit is the planned “two-plus-two” meeting involving foreign and defense ministers from both countries later this year, aimed at further solidifying their defense cooperation.
On the economic front, Japanese and Indian businesses have signed 129 memorandums of understanding, amounting to investments worth approximately ¥2 trillion ($12.4 billion). These agreements span critical sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automotive manufacturing, and advanced technologies, marking a significant step forward in deepening economic ties between the two nations.
The summit also highlighted a shared ambition to bolster artificial intelligence collaboration. Aiming to enhance joint research and innovation, the countries agreed to bring 500 Indian AI specialists to Japan by 2030. This initiative reflects a mutual commitment to advancing cooperation in emerging technologies, which are becoming increasingly crucial in the global economic landscape.