India and Japan Expand Strategic Ties in New Delhi

A high-level Japanese delegation led by Takayuki Kobayashi, Chairperson of the Liberal Democratic Party's Policy Research Council, visited New Delhi between May 3 and May 5, 2026, to deepen strategic ties with India. The delegation conducted a series of meetings with senior Indian officials to advance cooperation across multiple sectors.

Economic discussions led by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal focused on enhancing partnerships for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and deepening collaboration in pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, automobiles, and advanced manufacturing. These talks explored pathways under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Indo-Pacific economic frameworks. Parallel to these bilateral efforts, Goyal chaired review meetings to evaluate India's broader Free Trade Agreement progress and export strategies, noting that India now has nine FTAs across 38 countries.

Strategic and security dialogues included meetings with Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin. These discussions prioritized defense, energy, and investments. The Ministry of External Affairs explicitly welcomed Japan's recent decision to amend its principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology. Additionally, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met with the delegation to discuss shipbuilding and energy security to support India's pursuit of energy self-sufficiency.