Japan-India Defense Ministers’ Joint Statement
Overview
On October 28, 2026, in the Philippines, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. In line with the direction agreed at their August meeting, the ministers welcomed progress in maritime security cooperation, coordination between their air forces, and defense industry exchanges. They agreed to accelerate discussions to hold the fourth Japan-India Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) and a defense ministers’ meeting in Tokyo later this year.
Key points
- The Japan-India defense ministers’ meeting was held in the Philippines on October 28, 2026.
- The ministers welcomed steady progress in Japan-India defense cooperation in line with the direction agreed at their August meeting.
- The ministers agreed to accelerate discussions to hold the fourth Japan-India Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) and a defense ministers’ meeting in Tokyo later this year.
Overview
The meeting was attended by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Building on the direction agreed at their Japan-India defense ministers’ meeting in August, the ministers reviewed cooperation that had advanced since then.
Details
Discussions on maritime security cooperation that draws on Japan’s technical expertise and India’s production capacity advanced through such activities as the visit to Japan by the Indian Navy’s Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Topics included strengthening mine countermeasure capabilities and the possibility of joint development in naval shipbuilding and design. The two sides are considering specific cooperation to serve their strategic and operational needs.
During the joint air force exercise Veer Guardian 26, Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft visited India for the first time. The visit was accompanied by a trip to India by the Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and discussions advanced on strengthening coordination between the air forces.
The Japan-India Defense Industry Forum was held at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, with about 40 companies from Japan and India participating.
The ministers confirmed that they would further accelerate discussions toward holding the fourth Japan-India Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) and a defense ministers’ meeting in Tokyo later this year.