Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the first-ever defence co-development project between India and Japan on July 2, 2026, involving the Naval Radio Antenna 'UNICORN'. PM Modi described the agreement as a "new chapter" in the defence technology partnership between the two nations.
Details of the UNICORN Project
The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) is an integrated communication mast designed to improve stealth characteristics of naval platforms. A Memorandum of Implementation was signed in November 2024 at the Embassy of India in Tokyo for co-development of the UNICORN mast for fitment onboard Indian Navy ships.
Strengthening Regional Peace and Maritime Security
PM Modi stated that the two nations will jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order. Japanese PM Takaichi emphasized that both countries are among the world's largest economies and share a priority for a free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Additional Agreements Signed
Several other Memorandums of Cooperation were signed, including:
- Geological Survey of India and Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security in geology and mineral exploration.
- Cooperation in pharmaceuticals and political devices sectors.
- Ministry of Heavy Industries India and Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan in the field of batteries.
- Ministry of Cooperation and Department of Animal Husbandry on biogas and organic fertilizer production for total prosperity, energy security, and sustainable mobility.
Diplomatic Context
Japanese PM Takaichi was on a three-day official visit to India from July 1 to 3 at the invitation of PM Modi. India and Japan's relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014, building on diplomatic relations established in 1952 and upgraded through several milestones.
According to PM Modi, the UNICORN project will open a new chapter in defence technology partnership. Japanese PM Takaichi stated, "Today, both India and Japan are among the world's largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority."
