India, Japan to deepen defence cooperation, PM tells Japanese minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised the need to bolster defence and security collaboration between India and Japan, during a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Sanae Takaichi's successor at his office. The discussion reflected the growing momentum in the strategic partnership between the two nations following high-level engagements earlier this year. Modi referenced the comprehensive dialogue he held with then-Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her visit to India in July 2026 for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, noting the convergence of views on regional security challenges. The bilateral engagement underscores New Delhi and Tokyo's commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. Officials from both nations are expected to explore enhanced cooperation in defence technology, maritime security, and counter-terrorism initiatives in the coming months.