Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on July 2, 2026, announced a new chapter in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, highlighting defence cooperation, maritime security, and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Defence Co-Development Agreement Signed
Addressing a joint press statement at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi revealed that the two countries signed an agreement on the first India-Japan co-development project. The project, named Naval Radio Antenna UNICORN, aims to jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order. "This project will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership," PM Modi stated.
PM Modi emphasized that mutual trust is the biggest asset in today's global turmoil, and the India-Japan partnership fully stands this test. He noted that Japan has been an important partner in India's growth story, from automotive to electronics, building an invaluable asset of friendship and trust.
Maritime Security and Joint Exercises
Japanese PM Takaichi stressed the importance of expanding maritime security cooperation for regional peace and stability. She announced that a destroyer of Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force and an Indian Navy vessel are planning joint exercises. "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," she said.
Takaichi also instructed relevant departments to hold discussions and organize the next Japan-India 2+2 meeting before the end of 2026 to deepen such cooperation.
Vision for Free and Open Indo-Pacific
PM Modi hailed India and Japan as the largest democratic and market economies in the Indo-Pacific region, stating that both countries have taken several important initiatives to pave the way for peace, stability, and progress. Takaichi noted her recently updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, which focuses on self-reliance and resilience.
The leaders also discussed the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Takaichi expressed her desire to seize this opportunity to bring the people of both countries closer. "Under the India-Japan special strategic global partnership, as trusted partners that share strategic direction, together with my bigger brother, Prime Minister Modi, I will lead the India-Japan relations going forward to a new phase," she said, adding that she looks forward to welcoming PM Modi in Japan next time.
Strengthened Bilateral Ties Since 2014
India and Japan share a long-standing friendship rooted in centuries of cultural exchange, spiritual affinity, and shared values of freedom, democracy, and rule of law. The relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014 during a summit between PM Modi and former PM Shinzo Abe. Diplomatic relations were established in 1952, upgraded to a Global Partnership in 2000, and to a Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006.
As of 2026, the bilateral framework comprises over 70 dialogue mechanisms, covering trade, investment, economic security, defence, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people ties.
High-Level Exchanges and Future Plans
PM Modi and PM Takaichi had previously interacted at the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France in June 2026, and on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. PM Modi visited Japan for the 15th Annual Summit in Tokyo in August 2025. The Annual Summit remains the flagship platform driving the strategic agenda.
Key mechanisms include the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting, Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister Dialogue, Defence Ministerial Meeting, Economic Security Dialogue, and the Act East Forum. The 18th Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on January 16, 2026, between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
In April 2026, EAM participated in the AZEC Plus meeting chaired by PM Takaichi to discuss supply-chain disruptions in energy markets. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas visited Japan in November 2025 with representatives of India's energy sector.
