Japan and India have committed to enhancing their partnership in areas of security, economic resilience, and advanced technologies after a recent summit in New Delhi between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This collaboration aims to reinforce a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, with both leaders expressing apprehension over economic coercion and the current situations in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
A key outcome of the summit was the decision to fortify supply chains, especially in strategic sectors like semiconductors and critical minerals. The two nations are also set to amplify their military cooperation through expanded joint exercises and improvements in naval vessel maintenance and defense equipment development. Additionally, a “two-plus-two” meeting involving foreign and defense ministers from both countries is scheduled for later this year, underscoring the growing defense ties.
Economically, the summit resulted in Japanese and Indian companies signing 129 memorandums of understanding, which are anticipated to bring investments amounting to approximately ¥2 trillion ($12.4 billion). These investments span various sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automotive manufacturing, and advanced technologies, highlighting the broad scope of economic collaboration envisioned by the two countries.
Furthermore, an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation will see efforts to bring 500 Indian AI specialists to Japan by 2030. This initiative aims to bolster joint research and innovation in emerging technologies, reflecting the deepening technological ties between Japan and India.