India and Japan Strengthen Defence Ties in Tokyo Dialogue

Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Japan on July 13 and 14, 2026, to lead the eighth India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo. Co-chaired with Japanese Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji, the dialogue focused on expanding collaboration in cyber security, space, technological innovation, and defence industrial cooperation. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

During the visit, Singh met with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to convey greetings from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and extend an official invitation for Koizumi to visit India. The officials also discussed potential outcomes for upcoming ministerial engagements, including a scheduled 2+2 dialogue later in the year. This visit follows the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit held in New Delhi from July 1-3, where frameworks for economic security and artificial intelligence were established.

On July 14, Singh transitioned to Hiroshima to visit the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Naval Base. He met with Vice Admiral Matsumoto Tamotsu and toured the stealth frigate JS Niyodo. To conclude the visit, Singh paid tribute at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo to recognize the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.