India and Japan Explore Tank and Aero Engine Collaboration

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India, Japan Strengthen Defence Ties in New Delhi; Condemn Terrorism, Explore Tank and Aero Engine Collaboration

By TRH News Desk

New Delhi, May 5, 2025 – Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a high-level bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, at Manekshaw Centre. They reinforced the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The dialogue focused on countering terrorism, deepening defence cooperation, and exploring new avenues for industrial collaboration, including tank and aero engine development.

“Both ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms, calling for global cooperation to combat it. Rajnath Singh strongly criticized Pakistan’s state-sponsored policy of cross-border terrorism, citing its role in destabilizing regional peace through state and non-state actors,” said the Ministry of Defence in a media statement.

Highlighting the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, 2025, Singh urged a unified stand against terrorism and the state actions perpetuating it.

Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani expressed heartfelt condolences for the Pahalgam attack, offering Japan’s full support to India. This sentiment echoed earlier statements from a Japanese parliamentary delegation, which condemned the attack and advocated for a joint fight against terrorism. “Japan stands with India in this hour of grief,” Nakatani told Singh.

Deepening Defence and Security Cooperation

The ministers reviewed the robust defence and security pillars of the India-Japan partnership, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and stability. They welcomed the increasing frequency and diversity of bilateral defence exercises, agreeing to enhance their scope and complexity.

Maritime cooperation, a cornerstone of the partnership, will see new dimensions, with both sides prioritizing joint efforts in the Indo-Pacific region, added the media statement.

Singh showcased India’s burgeoning defence industry, emphasizing its potential to collaborate with Japan in cutting-edge areas such as tank engines, aero engines, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations. “India’s defence ecosystem is ready to partner with Japan in niche domains like automation and AI,” Singh was quoted by the PIB in the media statement.

The ministers also agreed to advance cooperation in emerging fields like cyber and space, aligning with the evolving global security landscape.

Industry and Strategic Collaboration

The dialogue underscored opportunities for enhanced industry cooperation. Nakatani acknowledged India’s advancements in defence manufacturing, expressing Japan’s interest in exploring joint ventures. “Collaboration in tank and aero engine development could be a game-changer for both nations,” noted defence analyst @DefenceDecode on X, reflecting on the talks.

Both sides committed to fostering innovation-driven partnerships, leveraging India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and Japan’s technological expertise.

Strengthening a Historic Partnership

India and Japan, bound by a long-standing friendship, have seen their ties gain momentum since the elevation to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Today’s meeting reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

“India-Japan defence ties are pivotal for regional stability,” posted @GeoPoliticsX, echoing sentiments from the strategic community.

The Japanese minister’s visit began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, paying homage to India’s fallen heroes. Nakatani was accorded a ceremonial Tri-Services Guard of Honour, symbolizing the deep respect underpinning the bilateral relationship.

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