Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared the technological partnership between India and Japan as the 'strongest pillar' of their bilateral relationship, following the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in New Delhi. He emphasised that the convergence of Japan's precision technology with India's software capabilities would propel global AI development.
AI Cooperation and Joint Statement
Addressing a press briefing after the agreements, PM Modi said, 'Prime Minister Takaichi and I believe that a technology partnership will become the strongest pillar of our cooperation. To realise this vision, we have also issued a joint statement today regarding the field of AI.' He noted that several key Indian AI institutions signed agreements with Japanese partners, adding, 'The convergence of Japan's precision technology and India's software capabilities will impart new momentum and strength to global AI development.'
The Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative was launched in 2025, and the 1st India-Japan Strategic AI Dialogue was held on 21 April 2026 in Mumbai. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also delivered a video message for the AI Impact Summit hosted in New Delhi in February 2026.
Defence Co-Development Project
In the defence sector, PM Modi announced the first co-development project between the two nations. 'We have signed an agreement today on the first co-development project between India and Japan. This project—involving the Naval Radio Antenna 'Unicorn'—will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership,' he stated. The project aims to jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order.
High-level defence exchanges have been regular, with the 3rd 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting held in August 2024 and Japan's former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visiting India in May 2025. The Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation was signed during the Annual Summit in August 2025.
Healthcare and Global Health Security
PM Modi also highlighted healthcare cooperation, saying, 'Through the agreements signed today in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology, we will also contribute to global health security. By combining India's scale with Japan's quality, we will work towards delivering affordable, reliable, and advanced health solutions to the world.'
Economic Security and Strategic Sectors
Economic security has emerged as a key pillar of the relationship. During the 1st Economic Security Dialogue (ESD) held in Tokyo in November 2024, both sides identified five priority sectors for strategic collaboration: semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and information and communication technology.
Long-Standing Partnership
India and Japan share a long-standing friendship rooted in centuries of cultural and civilisational exchange, spiritual affinity, and shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for the rule of law. Diplomatic relations were established in 1952, upgraded to a Global Partnership in 2000, a Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006, and elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014 during the summit between PM Modi and former PM Shinzo Abe.
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi is on a three-day official visit to India from July 1 to 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.
