Sun May 04 14:34:14 UTC 2025: ## India and Japan to Deepen Defence Ties Amidst Regional Tensions

**New Delhi, May 5, 2025** – Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet with his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, today for talks focusing on bolstering bilateral defence cooperation amid rising regional tensions. The discussions will take place against the backdrop of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India and China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.

The meeting is expected to cover the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly China’s increased military presence in the East and South China Seas. A key agenda item will be furthering India-Japan defence industrial cooperation, potentially including finalizing a reciprocal supply and services agreement. This agreement would allow the militaries of both nations to utilize each other’s bases for repairs and resupply, significantly enhancing interoperability.

The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, is also expected to be discussed. This marks the second meeting between the two defence ministers in six months, following their November meeting in Laos. The strengthening of India-Japan defence ties reflects a growing convergence on strategic issues and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The two nations elevated their relationship to a “special strategic and global partnership” in 2014.

Read More