News: Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited India; focus on operational interoperability, shipbuilding and defence technology transfer.

Key Developments

• Joint naval shipbuilding & reciprocal ship repair under Make in India.
• UNICORN antenna: Stealth integrated mast system reducing warship radar cross-section; BEL involved.
• DRDO–ATLA: Greater defence R&D and co-development.
• Veer Guardian 2026: First deployment of JASDF fighters in India.
• Cooperation on drones, contingency drills and Integrated Theatre Commands.
• Shared Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) linking Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.

Key Challenges

• Slow implementation of past defence agreements.
• Japan’s Article 9 and defence-export constraints.
• Differences in procurement and industrial standards.
• Need to balance bilateral cooperation with wider Quad dynamics.

Way Forward

• Fast-track UNICORN and co-development projects.
• Formalise reciprocal ship-repair/logistics arrangements.
• Deepen drone, AUV and autonomous-systems R&D.

Conclusion

India–Japan ties are moving from political convergence to practical operational cooperation, strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.