India and Japan held their 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, Japan, on July 13, 2026. During the dialogue, both countries reviewed the progress made in bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, while Japan was represented by Mr. Kano Koji, Deputy Defence Minister for International Affairs. The discussions focused on regional and global security developments as well as ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides discussed several areas, including military exchanges, maritime cooperation, joint exercises, defense technology, cooperation regarding equipment, cybersecurity, space, and partnerships in the defense industry. The two countries also deliberated on ways to further deepen cooperation in emerging strategic sectors.
The delegations highlighted the importance of continued high-level engagements and discussed possible outcomes of upcoming ministerial-level interactions, including the proposed 2+2 dialogue later this year.
During this visit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also met with Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and conveyed best wishes on behalf of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He also extended an invitation to the Japanese Defence Minister to visit India at the earliest.
This dialogue revealed a growing consensus between India and Japan on regional security issues and their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region grounded in international law.
(PIB)
