Language Diplomacy: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh bids Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi farewell in Japanese, adding a personal touch to the growing India-Japan defence partnership.

The gesture comes as India and Japan continue to strengthen strategic and defence cooperation amid an increasingly complex and uncertain Indo-Pacific security environment.

Rajnath Singh’s Japanese farewell to Koizumi highlights the importance of diplomatic gestures and the closeening defence relationship between the two countries.

Rajnath Singh Bids Japan Defence Minister Farewell In Japanese

India and Japan are strengthening their strategic partnership by expanding cooperation in key sectors such as AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, supply chain resilience and economic security. As multinational companies increasingly adopt the "China+1" strategy to reduce reliance on China, both countries are exploring ways to develop reliable manufacturing and technology ecosystems. The ongoing discussions are expected to boost investment, facilitating technology transfer and enhancing long-term industrial cooperation. The "China+1" strategy reflects a growing effort by India and multinational companies to diversify manufacturing bases and supply chains beyond China. According to a report by YES Securities, this transition offers India a rare opportunity to strengthen its role in global value chains and drive export-led economic growth. The report highlights that geopolitical tensions, repeated supply chain disruptions and concerns over excessive dependence on a single manufacturing hub have encouraged companies to seek alternative production destinations. Rising labour costs in China, coupled with increasing geopolitical uncertainty, have further accelerated this shift, opening the door for countries like India to attract large-scale manufacturing investments. With a large labour force, a growing domestic market and an improving manufacturing ecosystem, India is positioning itself among the few economies with the capability of benefiting from global realignment. The YES Securities' report highlights that the country is at a significant economic inflexion point, with current gains in engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals and auto components underscoring its growing manufacturing capabilities. According to the report, India's recent FTAs with the UAE, Australia, the UK and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), along with the European Union and the United States, are making the country a more attractive manufacturing hub. These trade deals provide exporters with greater tariff certainty and improved access to key global markets. Among all sectors, electronics has emerged as the biggest beneficiary, with Apple's smartphone manufacturing ecosystem helping transform India into a major export base. In addition, the report also expects pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and auto ancillary industries to benefit as multinational companies diversify supply chains and shift sourcing to cost-effective manufacturing destinations like India.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-really-benefitted-from-the-iran-war-1783058269342">Who really benefitted from the Iran war?</a><h3>Can India go ahead of Vietnam and Mexico?</h3>The report also indicates that global trade is continuously being driven by regional and bilateral trade agreements rather than broad-based liberalisation under the WTO. Countries such as Vietnam and Mexico have gained a competitive advantage through preferential trade pacts, and without comparable agreements, Indian exporters risk losing ground in important international markets due to higher tariffs. However, YES Securities warned that improved market access alone will not be enough to drive export growth. It points out that India's merchandise exports have expanded at a relatively slow pace over the past decade, suggesting that competitiveness remains a greater hurdle than tariffs. Factors such as high logistics costs, infrastructure shortcomings, complex regulatory compliance, expensive power and lower labour productivity continue to affect the efficiency of India's manufacturing sector. Additionally, Vietnam and Mexico maintain a unique head start due to geographical and regulatory alignments. Mexico, backed by the USMCA, has become the ultimate nearshoring hub for the North American market, offering rapid transit times and seamless tariff integration. Meanwhile, Vietnam operates as the preferred direct substitute for tech and electronics due to its physical proximity to existing Chinese supply chains, lower initial compliance barriers, and a highly efficient network of FTAs. &nbsp;

YES Securities report highlights that geopolitical tensions, repeated supply chain disruptions and concerns over excessive dependence on a single manufacturing hub have encouraged companies to seek alternative production destinations.

India and Japan are strengthening their strategic partnership by expanding cooperation in key sectors such as AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, supply chain resilience and economic security. As multinational companies increasingly adopt the "China+1" strategy to reduce reliance on China, both countries are exploring ways to develop reliable manufacturing and technology ecosystems. The ongoing discussions are expected to boost investment, facilitating technology transfer and enhancing long-term industrial cooperation. The "China+1" strategy reflects a growing effort by India and multinational companies to diversify manufacturing bases and supply chains beyond China. According to a report by YES Securities, this transition offers India a rare opportunity to strengthen its role in global value chains and drive export-led economic growth. The report highlights that geopolitical tensions, repeated supply chain disruptions and concerns over excessive dependence on a single manufacturing hub have encouraged companies to seek alternative production destinations. Rising labour costs in China, coupled with increasing geopolitical uncertainty, have further accelerated this shift, opening the door for countries like India to attract large-scale manufacturing investments. With a large labour force, a growing domestic market and an improving manufacturing ecosystem, India is positioning itself among the few economies with the capability of benefiting from global realignment. The YES Securities' report highlights that the country is at a significant economic inflexion point, with current gains in engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals and auto components underscoring its growing manufacturing capabilities. According to the report, India's recent FTAs with the UAE, Australia, the UK and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), along with the European Union and the United States, are making the country a more attractive manufacturing hub. These trade deals provide exporters with greater tariff certainty and improved access to key global markets. Among all sectors, electronics has emerged as the biggest beneficiary, with Apple's smartphone manufacturing ecosystem helping transform India into a major export base. In addition, the report also expects pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and auto ancillary industries to benefit as multinational companies diversify supply chains and shift sourcing to cost-effective manufacturing destinations like India. Also read: Who really benefitted from the Iran war? Can India go ahead of Vietnam and Mexico? The report also indicates that global trade is continuously being driven by regional and bilateral trade agreements rather than broad-based liberalisation under the WTO. Countries such as Vietnam and Mexico have gained a competitive advantage through preferential trade pacts, and without comparable agreements, Indian exporters risk losing ground in important international markets due to higher tariffs. However, YES Securities warned that improved market access alone will not be enough to drive export growth. It points out that India's merchandise exports have expanded at a relatively slow pace over the past decade, suggesting that competitiveness remains a greater hurdle than tariffs. Factors such as high logistics costs, infrastructure shortcomings, complex regulatory compliance, expensive power and lower labour productivity continue to affect the efficiency of India's manufacturing sector. Additionally, Vietnam and Mexico maintain a unique head start due to geographical and regulatory alignments. Mexico, backed by the USMCA, has become the ultimate nearshoring hub for the North American market, offering rapid transit times and seamless tariff integration. Meanwhile, Vietnam operates as the preferred direct substitute for tech and electronics due to its physical proximity to existing Chinese supply chains, lower initial compliance barriers, and a highly efficient network of FTAs.

YES Securities report highlights that geopolitical tensions, repeated supply chain disruptions and concerns over excessive dependence on a single manufacturing hub have encouraged companies to seek alternative production destinations.

Can India win China+1 race or will Vietnam and Mexico stay ahead? EXPLAINED

In recent months, Japan has become a hot destination for vacations among Indian tourists. While Tokyo’s neon corridors and Kyoto’s iconic shrines draw millions, the global traveller surge has made these hotspots increasingly crowded.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Indian travellers seeking authentic, peaceful, and picturesque locations, the regional route through the Chubu region—specifically Kanazawa and Takayama—offers a pristine window into Japan’s heritage, complete with rich vegetarian alternatives, historical architecture, and stunning alpine nature without the massive tourist buses.&nbsp;On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, here are some offbeat places in Japan that should be on your bucket list when you are planning your next vacation.&nbsp;<h2>Beyond the Golden Route</h2>Most Indian travellers planning their first trip to Japan automatically book the "Golden Route" connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While these cities are magnificent, they can feel overwhelming and crowded. True discovery lies just a bullet train ride away in the Chubu region, where ancient traditions are lived, not just staged, and life moves at a delightfully slower pace.<h2>Kanazawa</h2>Often referred to as "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa escaped the heavy bombings of World War II, leaving its historical layout intact.&nbsp; Walking through the Higashi Chaya district feels like stepping straight into a historic painting, complete with preserved wooden geisha tea houses and quiet stone streets. A short walk away lies Kenrokuen Garden, widely celebrated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike the packed bamboo groves of Arashiyama, morning strolls past Kenrokuen's tranquil ponds and perfectly sculpted pine trees offer genuine peace and meditative calm.&nbsp; For food, head to Omicho Market.&nbsp;&nbsp;While famous for its fresh Sea of Japan seafood, vegetarians can easily find incredible local root vegetables, exquisite matcha sweets, and fresh fruits.<h2>Takayama</h2>From Kanazawa, a scenic train ride brings you deep into the rugged Japanese Alps to Takayama, a beautifully preserved merchant town in Gifu Prefecture. The heart of the town, Sanmachi Suji, consists of three narrow streets lined with dark-wood Edo-period buildings, many of which still function as local craft shops and generations-old sake breweries. Takayama is incredibly friendly for Indian palates; because of the area's historical Zen Buddhist roots, local restaurants excel at Sansai Ryori (mountain vegetable cuisine) and specialised local miso preparations served on a magnolia leaf (Hoba Miso), providing a rich, savoury dining experience without relying on meat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Takayama

&nbsp;To make the most of this itinerary, secure a regional JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. It seamlessly connects Tokyo to Kanazawa, saving you money while keeping your travel incredibly flexible.

On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, travellers seeking an authentic, peaceful, and picturesque escape are encouraged to look beyond the traditional ‘Golden Route’ and explore the underrated Chubu region.

In recent months, Japan has become a hot destination for vacations among Indian tourists. While Tokyo’s neon corridors and Kyoto’s iconic shrines draw millions, the global traveller surge has made these hotspots increasingly crowded. For Indian travellers seeking authentic, peaceful, and picturesque locations, the regional route through the Chubu region—specifically Kanazawa and Takayama—offers a pristine window into Japan’s heritage, complete with rich vegetarian alternatives, historical architecture, and stunning alpine nature without the massive tourist buses. On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, here are some offbeat places in Japan that should be on your bucket list when you are planning your next vacation. Beyond the Golden Route Most Indian travellers planning their first trip to Japan automatically book the "Golden Route" connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While these cities are magnificent, they can feel overwhelming and crowded. True discovery lies just a bullet train ride away in the Chubu region, where ancient traditions are lived, not just staged, and life moves at a delightfully slower pace. Kanazawa Often referred to as "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa escaped the heavy bombings of World War II, leaving its historical layout intact. Walking through the Higashi Chaya district feels like stepping straight into a historic painting, complete with preserved wooden geisha tea houses and quiet stone streets. A short walk away lies Kenrokuen Garden, widely celebrated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. Unlike the packed bamboo groves of Arashiyama, morning strolls past Kenrokuen's tranquil ponds and perfectly sculpted pine trees offer genuine peace and meditative calm. For food, head to Omicho Market. While famous for its fresh Sea of Japan seafood, vegetarians can easily find incredible local root vegetables, exquisite matcha sweets, and fresh fruits. Takayama From Kanazawa, a scenic train ride brings you deep into the rugged Japanese Alps to Takayama, a beautifully preserved merchant town in Gifu Prefecture. The heart of the town, Sanmachi Suji, consists of three narrow streets lined with dark-wood Edo-period buildings, many of which still function as local craft shops and generations-old sake breweries. Takayama is incredibly friendly for Indian palates; because of the area's historical Zen Buddhist roots, local restaurants excel at Sansai Ryori (mountain vegetable cuisine) and specialised local miso preparations served on a magnolia leaf (Hoba Miso), providing a rich, savoury dining experience without relying on meat.

On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, travellers seeking an authentic, peaceful, and picturesque escape are encouraged to look beyond the traditional ‘Golden Route’ and explore the underrated Chubu region.

Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: The ultimate underrated itinerary for Indian travellers

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will arrive in India shortly. As all eyes are set on her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it must be remembered that India and Japan have a long history of cooperation. The deep relation between the two nations was formally elevated to a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership" in 2014 based on various sectors including defence, technology and energy. Landmark projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, metro rail networks, the India-Japan Digital Partnership, and the LUPEX lunar mission reflect the growing depth of collaboration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-japan-ties-to-go-beyond-the-handshake-1782882666775">India-Japan ties to go beyond the handshake</a><h2>Key agreements between India and Japan and major projects</h2><ul><li>Japan in India is currently synonymous to Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail because the country is financing and providing technology for India's first bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad that is a 508 km corridor. The technology being provided by Japan is Shinkansen technology.</li><li>Japan was the primary financial and technical partner, providing massive Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to fund nearly 80 per cent of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) total cost. This is 1,506 km electrified rail network serves as the economic backbone for the&nbsp;Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).</li><li>Japan is the primary external funder for&nbsp;major Mass Rapid Transit Systems across India, including projects in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.</li><li><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-japan-s-taiwan-stance-against-china-means-for-india-ahead-of-modi-takaichi-talks-1782834792118">What Japan's Taiwan stance means for India ahead of Modi-Takaichi talks?</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>The India-Japan Clean Energy Partnership ties is aiming to develop a hydrogen-ammonia trade corridor and large-scale renewable ammonia plants in Odisha. It also include the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for carbon reduction.</li><li>Under the digital partnership between the two countries, companies such as NEC and Reliance Jio are collaborating on 5G and Open RAN infrastructure.</li><li>Japan and India are strengthening supply chains through joint initiatives. In this regard, Japanese firm Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals) invested ₹2,250 crore ($270 million) to establish a state-of-the-art permanent magnet plant</li><li>Japan is investing in strategic infrastructure projects in Northeast India to improve connectivity with South and Southeast Asia. All the projects here are under a forum called Act East Forum Projects. It coordinates development in India’s North-East region, focusing on connectivity, hydropower, forest management, and water supply.</li><li>Joint efforts between the two nations also include establishing a semiconductor ecosystem - such as the OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat and the India-Japan Digital Partnership to cooperate on AI, IoT, and 5G technology.</li><li>In space exploration, a landmark collaboration is Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) Mission. This is a collaboration between ISRO and JAXA for the Chandrayaan 5 mission to explore the Moon's polar regions.</li><li>Rudraksh Convention Centre: The International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi, constructed with Japanese grant assistance.</li></ul>

India and Japan already share a deep strategic relation through bullet train, metro rail, semiconductors, clean energy, digital infrastructure, LUPEX Moon mission, critical minerals and Northeast connectivity projects, reinforcing cooperation across technology, infrastructure and security.

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will arrive in India shortly. As all eyes are set on her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it must be remembered that India and Japan have a long history of cooperation. The deep relation between the two nations was formally elevated to a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership" in 2014 based on various sectors including defence, technology and energy. Landmark projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, metro rail networks, the India-Japan Digital Partnership, and the LUPEX lunar mission reflect the growing depth of collaboration. Also Read: India-Japan ties to go beyond the handshake Key agreements between India and Japan and major projects Japan in India is currently synonymous to Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail because the country is financing and providing technology for India's first bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad that is a 508 km corridor. The technology being provided by Japan is Shinkansen technology. Japan was the primary financial and technical partner, providing massive Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to fund nearly 80 per cent of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) total cost. This is 1,506 km electrified rail network serves as the economic backbone for the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Japan is the primary external funder for major Mass Rapid Transit Systems across India, including projects in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-ties-why-japan-is-betting-big-on-india-from-china-1-to-indo-pacific-strategy-1782888145108/embed Also Read: What Japan's Taiwan stance means for India ahead of Modi-Takaichi talks? The India-Japan Clean Energy Partnership ties is aiming to develop a hydrogen-ammonia trade corridor and large-scale renewable ammonia plants in Odisha. It also include the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for carbon reduction. Under the digital partnership between the two countries, companies such as NEC and Reliance Jio are collaborating on 5G and Open RAN infrastructure. Japan and India are strengthening supply chains through joint initiatives. In this regard, Japanese firm Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals) invested ₹2,250 crore ($270 million) to establish a state-of-the-art permanent magnet plant Japan is investing in strategic infrastructure projects in Northeast India to improve connectivity with South and Southeast Asia. All the projects here are under a forum called Act East Forum Projects. It coordinates development in India’s North-East region, focusing on connectivity, hydropower, forest management, and water supply. Joint efforts between the two nations also include establishing a semiconductor ecosystem - such as the OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat and the India-Japan Digital Partnership to cooperate on AI, IoT, and 5G technology. In space exploration, a landmark collaboration is Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) Mission. This is a collaboration between ISRO and JAXA for the Chandrayaan 5 mission to explore the Moon's polar regions. Rudraksh Convention Centre: The International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi, constructed with Japanese grant assistance.

India and Japan already share a deep strategic relation through bullet train, metro rail, semiconductors, clean energy, digital infrastructure, LUPEX Moon mission, critical minerals and Northeast connectivity projects, reinforcing cooperation across technology, infrastructure and security.

From bullet train to moon mission: What are key India-Japan projects shaping strategic ties?

Japan’s growing economic interest in India is putting Assam in the spotlight as a rising technology and semiconductor destination. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi from July 1 to 3, the location itself sends a strong signal.

Guwahati, only the second Indian city after Ahmedabad to host this annual summit, reflects a strategic shift in India’s investment geography beyond traditional metros.

Assam’s Chip Bet Draws Tokyo Money

PM Modi in Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from crowds in Sendai, Japan, with people chanting “Modi-san Welcome” as he arrived.


PM Modi in Japan: Crowds Cheer “Modi-san Welcome” as PM Arrives in Sendai 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day trip to Japan (August 29-30) to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This will be his eighth visit, and his first in the last seven years, also the first summit with Japan's Prime Minister H.E. Shigeru Ishiba. Amid rising tariffs from the US, this meeting becomes strategically important as India is focused on deepening bilateral ties. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the importance of the highest-level dialogue mechanism that exists between India and Japan.&nbsp;"Our bilateral relations have expanded steadily in scope and ambition over the last decade, and today comprise trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, infrastructure and mobility, people-to-people contact, and vibrant cultural engagement between the two sides,” said Vikram Misri in a press briefing.&nbsp;Although not confirmed by official sources, media reports cite a few primary agendas for the visit.<h2>Bullet Train</h2>According to Kyodo News of Japan, the two leaders are looking to agree on a deal for the next-generation E10 Series Shinkansen bullet train for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. An inspection is planned at a manufacturing plant in Miyagi prefecture. Japan has already agreed to give India the retired E5 and E3 Shinkansen trains for testing and commissioning starting in 2026, aiding partial line opening in 2027–28.&nbsp;<h2>$68 billion trade deal</h2>Japan is set to unveil a decade-long private investment initiative across sectors like semiconductors, essential minerals, communications, clean energy, artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical products. The investment amount is valued at 10 trillion yen ($68 billion).<h2>Defence cooperation</h2>The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of cooperation between the two countries. India and Japan are co-developing the Unified Complex Radio Antenna, the UNICORN project. It is going to serve as a common radar mast for the Indian Navy platform. India has already signed a memorandum for implementation in November 2024. There is an ongoing defence dialogue between DRDO and ATLA over cooperation and transfer of technology. The Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime are exploring cooperation in ship maintenance. According to Vikram Misri, these agendas are being constantly refreshed with additional items on the list. The deeper narrative is strengthening strategic and defence ties.&nbsp;<h2>Broader Diplomatic Context&nbsp;</h2>With the 50 per cent punitive tariff kicking in on August 27, India's exports are likely to face heat. Infrastructure investment from Japan is likely to act as a buffer to diversify the export market outside the US. Official data shows India’s total trade with Japan up to January 2025 amounted to $21 billion, with India running a trade deficit of $10.8 billion. Although it will be difficult to cushion the impact of tariffs, India and Japan's insulated bilateral ties will reduce India's vulnerability to US tariffs. India is also looking to upgrade their 2008 Declaration on Security Cooperation, policy dialogues and technology transfer. With the Quad summit expected to be held later in 2025, this is India's attempt at practical cooperation for infrastructure development and to make supply chains more resilient. PM Modi will travel to China from August 31 to September 1, 2025, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, with a potential attempt at strengthening the security, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and digital &amp; infrastructure development. It will also be the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the World's Anti-Fascist War victory and the founding of the UN.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two Prime Ministers are likely to discuss a plethora of issues to strengthen the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day trip to Japan (August 29-30) to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This will be his eighth visit, and his first in the last seven years, also the first summit with Japan's Prime Minister H.E. Shigeru Ishiba. Amid rising tariffs from the US, this meeting becomes strategically important as India is focused on deepening bilateral ties. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the importance of the highest-level dialogue mechanism that exists between India and Japan. "Our bilateral relations have expanded steadily in scope and ambition over the last decade, and today comprise trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, infrastructure and mobility, people-to-people contact, and vibrant cultural engagement between the two sides,” said Vikram Misri in a press briefing. Although not confirmed by official sources, media reports cite a few primary agendas for the visit. Bullet Train According to Kyodo News of Japan, the two leaders are looking to agree on a deal for the next-generation E10 Series Shinkansen bullet train for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. An inspection is planned at a manufacturing plant in Miyagi prefecture. Japan has already agreed to give India the retired E5 and E3 Shinkansen trains for testing and commissioning starting in 2026, aiding partial line opening in 2027–28. $68 billion trade deal Japan is set to unveil a decade-long private investment initiative across sectors like semiconductors, essential minerals, communications, clean energy, artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical products. The investment amount is valued at 10 trillion yen ($68 billion). Defence cooperation The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of cooperation between the two countries. India and Japan are co-developing the Unified Complex Radio Antenna, the UNICORN project. It is going to serve as a common radar mast for the Indian Navy platform. India has already signed a memorandum for implementation in November 2024. There is an ongoing defence dialogue between DRDO and ATLA over cooperation and transfer of technology. The Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime are exploring cooperation in ship maintenance. According to Vikram Misri, these agendas are being constantly refreshed with additional items on the list. The deeper narrative is strengthening strategic and defence ties. Broader Diplomatic Context With the 50 per cent punitive tariff kicking in on August 27, India's exports are likely to face heat. Infrastructure investment from Japan is likely to act as a buffer to diversify the export market outside the US. Official data shows India’s total trade with Japan up to January 2025 amounted to $21 billion, with India running a trade deficit of $10.8 billion. Although it will be difficult to cushion the impact of tariffs, India and Japan's insulated bilateral ties will reduce India's vulnerability to US tariffs. India is also looking to upgrade their 2008 Declaration on Security Cooperation, policy dialogues and technology transfer. With the Quad summit expected to be held later in 2025, this is India's attempt at practical cooperation for infrastructure development and to make supply chains more resilient. PM Modi will travel to China from August 31 to September 1, 2025, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, with a potential attempt at strengthening the security, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and digital & infrastructure development. It will also be the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the World's Anti-Fascist War victory and the founding of the UN.

The two Prime Ministers are likely to discuss a plethora of issues to strengthen the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan.&nbsp;

PM Modi's Japan visit after 7 years: Bullet train project, trade deals on agenda

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has said that "growing convergence" between India and Japan on "strategic and economic issues" has the "potential to shape a multi-polar world that is more peaceful, secure and sustainable."

Both countries share close relations and had elevated ties to "Special Strategic and Global Partnership". Both countries have an annual summit-level mechanism, that alternates between the two&nbsp;countries as 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers dialogue.

Shringla said, "progress in the economic pillar of our ties has been accompanied by an increasing convergence in our strategic outlook towards the region. This is reflected in our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region."

He explained, "this convergence is not only seen in bilateral exchanges but also in the increasing comfort in working with other like-minded partners through plurilateral forums, involving other partners."

India, US, Australia and Japan have a Quad grouping that had the first heads of government level meeting earlier this year virtually.&nbsp;Later this year, Washington is expected to host the first in-person meeting. 
&nbsp;

Amid the Covid crisis, the grouping had met regularly at the foreign secretary-level virtually to exchange best practices. Meanwhile,&nbsp;India, Japan, along with Australia are working on Supply Chain Resilience.

The Indian foreign secretary&nbsp;said, "COVID-19 pandemic has not only generated severe economic stresses but would have a long term impact on the geopolitical situation", and quoted PM Modi who said "the friendship between India and Japan has become more relevant to our partnership, global stability, and prosperity in this COVID pandemic era.”

Under the ongoing partnership, both now plan to work on joint projects in other&nbsp;countries which include the Russian far east and the pacific island states.

Both have a project in Kenya and Japan's connectivity projects in India's North East are being extended to Bangladesh.&nbsp;Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1,600 crore in India's northeast with projects, many of them focused on connectivity&nbsp;in seven&nbsp;states of the region.&nbsp;

Shringla said, "India and Japan are continuing to enhance their ability to work with other partners in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. We are looking at deepening our cooperation in third countries, moving beyond India’s immediate neighbourhood to the Russian Far East and the Pacific Island States."

Japan is also a lead partner in the "connectivity pillar"&nbsp;of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). IPOI has 7 pillars and was launched by Indian PM Modi in 2019 at the&nbsp;East Asia Summit.&nbsp;

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has said that "growing convergence" between India and Japan on "strategic and economic issues" has the "potential to shape a multi-polar world that is more peaceful, secure and sustainable.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has said that "growing convergence" between India and Japan on "strategic and economic issues" has the "potential to shape a multi-polar world that is more peaceful, secure and sustainable." Both countries share close relations and had elevated ties to "Special Strategic and Global Partnership". Both countries have an annual summit-level mechanism, that alternates between the two countries as 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers dialogue. Shringla said, "progress in the economic pillar of our ties has been accompanied by an increasing convergence in our strategic outlook towards the region. This is reflected in our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region." He explained, "this convergence is not only seen in bilateral exchanges but also in the increasing comfort in working with other like-minded partners through plurilateral forums, involving other partners." India, US, Australia and Japan have a Quad grouping that had the first heads of government level meeting earlier this year virtually. Later this year, Washington is expected to host the first in-person meeting. Amid the Covid crisis, the grouping had met regularly at the foreign secretary-level virtually to exchange best practices. Meanwhile, India, Japan, along with Australia are working on Supply Chain Resilience. The Indian foreign secretary said, "COVID-19 pandemic has not only generated severe economic stresses but would have a long term impact on the geopolitical situation", and quoted PM Modi who said "the friendship between India and Japan has become more relevant to our partnership, global stability, and prosperity in this COVID pandemic era.” Under the ongoing partnership, both now plan to work on joint projects in other countries which include the Russian far east and the pacific island states. Both have a project in Kenya and Japan's connectivity projects in India's North East are being extended to Bangladesh. Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1,600 crore in India's northeast with projects, many of them focused on connectivity in seven states of the region. Shringla said, "India and Japan are continuing to enhance their ability to work with other partners in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. We are looking at deepening our cooperation in third countries, moving beyond India’s immediate neighbourhood to the Russian Far East and the Pacific Island States." Japan is also a lead partner in the "connectivity pillar" of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). IPOI has 7 pillars and was launched by Indian PM Modi in 2019 at the East Asia Summit.

India, Japan can shape multipolar world: Foreign Secretary Shringla

As Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe invested significant diplomatic capital in developing strong ties with India. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the story of Abe's relationship with India.

Gravitas: Shinzo Abe's relationship with India

Shinzo Abe has announced that he will resign as Prime Minister of Japan due to ill health. Watch this video to know how Abe strengthened ties with India.

How Shinzo Abe strengthened relationship with India?