By News On Air Aug 20, 2026
The India-Japan Defence Ministers Meeting was held in New Delhi today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi co-chaired the meeting. The discussions focused on deepening maritime security, ‘Make in India’ defence technology, and expanding strategic trust. Both Ministers signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Mr Singh welcomed Mr Koizumi and the delegation to India. He expressed sympathy and solidarity of the Government and people of India following the devastating earthquake in the Kumamoto region in Japan. Mr Singh said India is saddened by the loss of life and hardships faced by the affected people. He reassured and reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing any assistance, relief or support required during this difficult time.
The Defence Minister said, India-Japan relationship is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect and a long-standing civilisational connect. He said, both nations will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations next year.
Mr Singh said, over the years, this friendship has grown into a cornerstone of stability, resilience and a rules-based order, not only for the two nations but also for the wider Indo-Pacific region. He said, as two leading democracies in Asia, India and Japan share a profound responsibility to ensure peace, stability and prosperity.
Mr Singh highlighted that the maritime lifelines are facing growing vulnerabilities and the efforts to ensure freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce are not just an economic necessity but a strategic imperative. He said, the security of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is deeply interlinked.
The Minister said, a close alignment between India’s MAHASAGAR vision and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Initiative is more important now than ever before.
Mr Koizumi expressed appreciation for the condolences to all those affected by the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. He also appreciated the support provided by the Indian Navy during the medical emergency that occurred on a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel.
Mr Koizumi said, this symbolises the cooperative relationship, where both nations can help each other when in trouble. He said, he has a special place for India in his heart. The Japanese Minister said, on 6th August 2018, he visited India with fellow members of Parliament and participated in a memorial ceremony for the victims of the atomic bomb. He said, India is probably the only Parliament outside Japan that holds such a ceremony every year, and he expressed respect and gratitude for this tradition.
Mr Koizumi said, yesterday, he visited the Western Naval Command and INS Chennai in Mumbai. The Japanese Defence Minister said, he was able to see first-hand the high capabilities and strong morale of the Indian Armed Forces.
Recalling the Japan-India Joint Statement issued by the leaders of the two countries in July this year, the two Ministers affirmed their commitment, under their leadership, to further deepen defence cooperation to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The two Ministers affirmed that they would strengthen coordination between both sides for the protection of Sea Lines of Communications through mutual visits by naval ships and units, joint exercises, personnel and Subject Matter Expert exchanges and logistical support including use of ports, maintenance and repair facilities.
The two Ministers welcomed the steady expansion and deepening of bilateral exercises conducted by Japan and India, including the Japan-India Army exercise Dharma Guardian and the Japan-India Maritime Exercise JAIMEX. They also welcomed the steady progress in coordination for the Japan-India Air Force exercise Veer Guardian 26, scheduled to be held this year.
Earlier this morning, Japanese Defence Minister laid a wreath at the National War Memorial. He later received a ceremonial guard of honour at Manekshaw Centre in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.