India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on cooperation in maritime security on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during bilateral talks between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi. The countries agreed to deepen operational cooperation, including information exchange, naval exercises, ship repair, and logistical support.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening defense cooperation under the «Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership» and to pursuing a free and open Indo-Pacific region amid increasing global tensions. Both sides strongly opposed unilateral actions that hinder freedom and safety of navigation and overflight, as well as attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
Expansion of maritime cooperation
The new maritime security agreement establishes a framework for closer cooperation between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. It covers maritime domain awareness (MDA), search and rescue operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The ministers also agreed to enhance coordination to protect sea lines of communication, including through reciprocal visits by naval forces, joint exercises, personnel and expert exchanges, and logistical support, including access to ports and facilities for maintenance and repair.
India and Japan will also seek closer cooperation in mine countermeasures and explore the possibility of joint development projects in naval shipbuilding and design. This involves leveraging Japan’s technological expertise and India’s manufacturing capabilities. The parties will also discuss broader utilization of India’s shipbuilding capacities under the «Make in India» program and work on mutual access to ship repair facilities.
Joint military exercises and technologies
The ministers welcomed the expansion of bilateral military exercises, including Dharma Guardian and JAIMEX, as well as the planned air exercise Veer Guardian 26. Japanese fighters will participate in these exercises in India for the first time. The parties also agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises, integrate unmanned systems, and explore the possibility of conducting joint exercises with short notice.
The two countries will promote exchanges between their Special Operations Forces and develop cooperation with India’s integrated theater commands after their establishment.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed Japan’s recent revision of its framework for the transfer of defense equipment and technology, aimed at deepening cooperation in defense and technology. The parties identified the UNICORN integrated shipboard communication antenna system as a symbol of their growing partnership in defense equipment and committed to accelerating its implementation.
India’s DRDO and Japan’s ATLA will deepen cooperation in advanced defense technologies, and a Defense Industry Forum will be convened. The ministers also agreed to establish a Working Group at the Director General/Joint Secretary level to coordinate cooperation in operational, intelligence, technological, industrial, and defense equipment areas.
They also agreed to expedite discussions for the fourth «2+2» India-Japan Ministerial Dialogue on foreign affairs and defense, which is to be held in Tokyo this year.
Source: The Hindu
