Japan on Thursday confirmed that the next "2+2" Foreign and Defence ministerial meeting between India and Japan will take place by the end of 2026. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held bilateral and delegation-level talks in New Delhi.
Defence Technology Transfer: UNICORN System
In a significant move to bolster defence ties, the two countries have reached a broad agreement on the transfer of defence technology, with the "UNICORN" (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) system as the centrepiece. The Japanese spokesperson, Toshihiro Kitamura, stated that companies from both nations have entered into agreements to facilitate the transfer and co-production of this advanced technology, marking a new chapter in the "Make in India" initiative within the defence sector.
"Defence equipment cooperation and technology were discussed. UNICORN is the pioneer project. We are focusing on transfer of UNICORN to India," Kitamura said.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of the collaboration: "In the defence sector, we have signed an agreement today on the first co-development project between India and Japan. This project involving the Naval Radio Antenna 'UNICORN' will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership. We will now jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order."
UNICORN System Details
The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) is a mast with integrated communication systems designed to improve the stealth characteristics of naval platforms. It integrates multiple communication systems and scattered antennas into a single, unified radar mast. The technology is already mounted on Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF).
A Memorandum of Implementation was signed at the Embassy of India, Tokyo on November 15, 2024, between the governments of India and Japan for co-development of the UNICORN mast for fitment onboard Indian Navy ships. The MOI was signed by the Ambassador of India to Japan, Sibi George, and Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) under Japan's Ministry of Defence.
The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems, which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India with Japanese collaboration. This would be the first case of co-development/co-production of defence equipment between India and Japan. India has become the second Asian country after the Philippines to have this Japanese stealth technology.
Maritime Security Cooperation
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi, addressing the joint media statement with PM Modi, said the navies of the two countries will enhance exercises in the Indian Ocean, promote naval maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation, and strengthen equipment cooperation under the 'Make in India' framework. The Indian Navy and the JMSDF regularly engage in two major annual naval exercises, alongside cross-domain drills.
"Expansion of maritime security cooperation is especially important for regional peace and stability. Taking the opportunity of our visit, a destroyer of Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force and an Indian Navy vessel are planning to engage in joint exercise. We will enhance exercises in the Indian Ocean, promote naval maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation and strengthen equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework. In order to deepen such cooperation, I have instructed the relevant departments to hold discussions and to organize the next Japan-India 2+2 before the end of the year," Takaichi said.
Support for India's IEA Membership
Recognizing India's growing importance in global energy markets, Japanese spokesperson Kitamura confirmed that Japan will officially support India's full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA). Describing India as a "future economic power," Kitamura said that by Tokyo's estimates, India is poised to surpass Japan's economic output as early as this year or the next.
"India is a future economic power and will surpass Japanese economic power this year or next year," he said.
Annual Summit Outcomes
The 16th India-Japan Annual Summit Joint Statement stated that PM Modi and Prime Minister Takaichi concurred on exploring collaborative opportunities, including joint investments, across the maritime energy transport value chain. They highlighted the importance of regional initiatives to strengthen energy resilience, such as Japan's Partnership On Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia), India's support to energy security in South Asia, and the Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security.
They welcomed the adoption of the Joint Statement on Energy Resilience and concurred on strengthening cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves, including through exchange of best practices and technical collaboration on strategic stockpiling. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Takaichi affirmed her support for India's membership to the IEA.
Takaichi is on an official visit to India from July 1-3 for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, accompanied by a high-level delegation including senior officials, CEOs and industry leaders. This is her first official visit to India.
