India, US and Japan Boost Defence Cooperation, Reaffirm Anti-Terrorism Commitment
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – India on Wednesday reviewed its defence partnerships with the US and Japan with discussions focused on military technology, information sharing, co-production, maritime security, naval shipbuilding and stronger defence industrial collaboration, alongside a renewed commitment to combating terrorism.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held separate meetings with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, the Philippines.
Hegseth, Singh reviewed the progress of the 10-year India-US Defence Framework and explored avenues to strengthen operational readiness, technology sharing and defence industrial integration.
Both sides reiterated their resolve to combat terrorism, including cross-border terror.
Singh called for a zero-tolerance approach towards countries that support, train or finance terrorist organizations.
Hegseth reaffirmed US support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism.
Singh also expressed India’s appreciation of the consistent support extended by Washington.
Both leaders discussed expanding military-to-military exchanges, strengthening maritime security cooperation and developing resilient defence supply chains to deepen defence industrial collaboration.
Singh in a post on X after the meeting said the discussions aimed at driving strategic convergence across military technology, information sharing and co-production.
“Our robust partnership continues to be a cornerstone for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Minister Singh in his separate meeting with Koizumi, reviewed the progress of bilateral defence cooperation since their previous meeting in August, with both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
They covered maritime security cooperation tailored to the strategic and operational requirements of both countries, including enhancing mine countermeasure capabilities and exploring the possibility of joint development in naval shipbuilding and design by combining Japan’s technological expertise with India’s production capabilities.
Both sides also discussed facilitating closer naval cooperation through opportunities such as the visit of the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff to Japan.
The cooperation between the two air services was another key focus, after the first-ever visit of Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft to India for the India-Japan air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 26’.
The visit of the Chief of Staff of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, conducted in conjunction with the exercise also noted as part of efforts to deepen engagement between the two air forces.
Both ministers welcomed the successful India-Japan Defence Industry Forum held at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, which saw participation from approx 40 companies from the two countries, reflected growing opportunities for industrial collaboration.
They also agreed to accelerate discussions towards convening the fourth Japan-India Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) and the Japan-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo later this year.
Singh in his post on X described the discussions with Koizumi as productive and said they had explored fresh avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
“Our shared commitment remains vital for a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region,” he added.
