India and Japan Sign Maritime Security Pact

India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation during bilateral talks led by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on August 20, 2026. The agreement aims to strengthen operational cooperation between the two nations, including information sharing, naval exercises, ship repair, and logistics support.

The ministers emphasized their commitment to deepening defense ties under the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.” They also expressed opposition to actions that restrict freedom of navigation or alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific region. The new arrangement will enhance cooperation between Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and India’s Navy, focusing on areas like maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, and disaster relief.

Both countries agreed to boost coordination for protecting sea lanes through naval visits, joint exercises, and logistical support, including port access and maintenance facilities. They also plan to collaborate on mine countermeasures and explore joint shipbuilding projects using Japan’s technology and India’s manufacturing capabilities.

The ministers welcomed the expansion of military exercises such as Dharma Guardian and JAIMEX, with Japanese fighter jets participating in India for the first time. They also discussed increasing the complexity of these exercises and incorporating unmanned systems.

India and Japan will promote exchanges between their Special Operations Forces and explore cooperation with India’s integrated theatre commands. The agreement also includes enhanced defense technology collaboration through initiatives like the Defence Industry Forum and a working group to coordinate efforts across various domains.

The two nations agreed to accelerate discussions for the next India-Japan “2+2” Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, scheduled to take place in Tokyo later this year.