- India and Japan urge rapid progress in defence, technology, trade, and strategic connectivity initiatives.
- Leaders focus on semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals to strengthen future supply-chain resilience.
- Both nations reaffirm commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific through deeper defence, maritime, and economic cooperation.
India and Japan are pushing for faster progress in key areas of technology, defence, and economic cooperation, reaffirming their intent to elevate bilateral ties amid shifting global dynamics. During a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reviewed developments in their partnership and agreed that both nations must accelerate ongoing projects to match today’s rapidly evolving strategic environment.
The leaders noted that their relationship has strengthened significantly in recent years, supported by shared democratic values and a common vision for a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific. They emphasized the follow-up actions from their previous summit need to move swiftly, especially in defence collaboration, joint technologies, supply-chain security, and trade expansion. Both countries expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation in these areas will create mutual economic gains while also contributing to regional security.
Technology and innovation featured prominently in their discussions. India and Japan reiterated their commitment to deeper engagement in advanced sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and critical minerals. These areas are seen as crucial to building resilient supply chains and strengthening their long-term strategic partnership. Japan also welcomed India’s upcoming AI Summit 2026, highlighting its importance for global discussions on emerging tech.
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Economic and industrial cooperation formed another major pillar of the meeting. The two sides agreed to promote new investments, accelerate infrastructure partnerships, and support collaboration between small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They also reviewed progress on connectivity projects and highlighted the need to further boost industrial linkages that support innovation and job creation.
On defence and security, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of regular dialogue, capacity building, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing interoperability. Strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was highlighted as a shared priority.
Closing their meeting, Modi and Takaichi pledged to stay in close touch and ensure that decisions taken at the leadership level translate quickly into concrete outcomes. Their renewed commitment marks another step forward in a partnership that increasingly shapes the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific.