The Minister of Defence from India, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Japan. The discussion centered around condemning terrorism in all its forms and advocating for global cooperation against it. They specifically mentioned Pakistan's state policy regarding cross-border terrorism against India as problematic and detrimental to regional peace. Both parties called for unity in countering such terrorism and the actions originating from states that sustain it.
During the dialogue, they reviewed the defense and security aspects of their strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening it further to contribute to regional peace. They acknowledged the ongoing increase in defense exercises and exchanges between India and Japan and agreed to expand these collaborations to include more complex activities and robust maritime cooperation specifically. The potential for industry collaborations, particularly in tank engines, aero engines, maintenance repair, overhaul operations, automation, Artificial Intelligence, cyber services, and space were also emphasized.
The Japanese Defense Minister expressed support for India following the Pahalgam terror attack and was present during the remembrance at National War Memorial prior to the dialogue. The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both nations to increase their bilateral defense cooperation.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Defence: Government department responsible for defense and military affairs
Raksha Mantri (Defense Minister): The Chief executive officer of the Ministry of Defence, India
Japan: A sovereign island country located in East Asia with which defensive and strategic partnership is established
Minister of Defense (Japanese): Equivalent position as 'Raksha Mantri', responsible for defense and military affairs in Japan
New Delhi: National capital of India where the bilateral meeting was held
Pahalgam terror attack: A terrorist attack specifically mentioned by name with location details and date in Jammu & Kashmir, India
Tank engines: Specifics of the Indian defense industry capability highlighted for potential collaboration
Aero Engines: Another aspect of joint development potential between India and Japan as mentioned in policy text
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meeting with his
Japanese counterpart in New Delhi
Calls for a unified stand against terrorism & state-
sponsored actions that perpetuate it
Japan offers full support to India in the wake of
Pahalgam terror attack
RM outlines Indian defence industry’s potential to
collaborate with Japan on new areas including Tank
engines & Aero Engines
Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Defense of Japan Mr Gen
Nakatani at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi on May 05, 2025. During the meeting, both sides condemned
terrorism in all its forms and emphasised the need for global cooperation in this regard.
Raksha Mantri condemned Pakistan’s state policy of cross-border terrorism against India, perpetrated through
state and non-state actors. He stated that such attacks destabilise regional peace and security. Shri Rajnath
Singh called for a unified stand against terrorism and the state-sponsored actions that perpetuate it.
The Japanese Defense Minister expressed his condolences for the tragic terrorist attack which took place in
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, 2025 and offered full support to India.Both the Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global
Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening the bilateral relations and contributing
towards regional peace. The Ministers welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defence exercises &
exchanges between the two countries, and concurred to enhance the scope & complexity of these
engagements. Both leaders agreed to add new dimensions to the robust maritime cooperation between India
and Japan.
Shri Rajnath Singh outlined the capability of Indian defence industry particularly its potential to collaborate
with the Japanese side on new areas including Tank engines and Aero Engines. He highlighted the capabilities
in the areas of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul operations. Both sides agreed to enhance industry
cooperation, including exploring collaboration in niche domains such as automation and Artificial
Intelligence. The two Ministers also decided to take forward the cooperation in emerging areas like Cyber and
Space.
India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has further gained qualitative momentum after
the elevation of this collaboration to Special Strategic & Global Partnership in 2014. The Dialogue
ended with strong commitment by both sides to enhance the bilateral defence cooperation.Earlier, the Japanese Defense Minister laid a wreath at National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen
heroes. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour prior to the dialogue at
Manekshaw Centre.
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VK/Savvy
(Release ID: 2127087)