India, Japan Update Security Cooperation Agreement

Japan and India have agreed to revise and update their 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to address contemporary security challenges, following a 'two-plus-two' meeting in New Delhi. The discussions, led by Indian ministers Rajnath Singh and S. Jaishankar alongside their Japanese counterparts, focused on enhancing bilateral defense ties and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region amidst growing Chinese assertiveness. Both nations committed to advancing cooperation in defense equipment and technology, including the transfer of advanced naval antennas. They also expressed intentions to deepen collaboration in areas such as space and cyber security, and agreed to explore logistics agreements for Japanese naval ship repairs in India. The joint statement emphasized the importance of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the commitment to work together with other Quad nations—Australia and the U.S.—to bolster regional security. This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening defense relations, with further developments anticipated during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Japan.