Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Japan’s review of defense equipment transfer principles, aiming to strengthen the defense partnership between the two countries. The 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi, attended by PM Modi and Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi, highlighted the positive trajectory of bilateral defense and security cooperation. Both leaders emphasized deepening cooperation based on the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.
They instructed their Ministers to convene the fourth round of the 2+2 Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo by year-end. Progress in service cooperation, including the successful JAIMEX 25 naval exercise, was acknowledged. India appreciated Japan’s involvement in the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam, with plans to enhance maritime security cooperation through various means.
An agreement in principle on technical details for the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (‘UNICORN’) project was noted with anticipation for its early conclusion. The leaders also discussed exploring additional defense equipment and technology projects. The Quad framework’s steady progress was welcomed, with a shared commitment to practical cooperation across various pillars.
Emphasizing Quad collaboration in maritime security, economic prosperity, critical technologies, and humanitarian assistance, both leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation. They expressed readiness for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit, aiming to enhance joint efforts in these areas.
