India and Japan deepen naval ties with maritime security pact

A new maritime security arrangement between India and Japan focuses on building operational depth across naval cooperation, shipbuilding and logistics, moving beyond periodic exercises to create a sustained ecosystem for coordinated action across the Indo-Pacific.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi signed the Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation in New Delhi on August 20, establishing a framework that makes maritime engagement between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force more structured and regular.

Information sharing and sea lane protection

The agreement prioritizes greater information sharing in Maritime Domain Awareness, which involves building a comprehensive picture of ship movements and activities at sea. Both countries have direct economic stakes: India's strategic location commands major Indian Ocean routes, while Japan depends heavily on maritime trade and secure sea lanes for its economy and energy supplies.

The MoA emphasizes protecting Sea Lines of Communication critical to international trade, energy flows and supply chains, with coordination through mutual naval visits, joint exercises, personnel exchanges and Subject Matter Expert exchanges.

Shipbuilding and repair infrastructure

Defence industrial cooperation forms a key pillar, with both sides exploring joint development in naval shipbuilding and design. The arrangement links Japan's technological expertise with India's production capabilities, particularly relevant as India expands domestic defence manufacturing under Make in India.

A reciprocal provision for ship repair facilities is expected to be finalized soon. For India, this creates opportunities to utilize its expanding naval shipbuilding and maintenance infrastructure, while Japan gains additional options for supporting deployments across the Indian Ocean region.

The two countries are also pursuing the shipborne UNICORN integrated communications antenna system as their first defence equipment transfer project.

Emerging technologies and multi-domain exercises

Future joint exercises will become more complex, incorporate unmanned systems and pursue short-notice opportunities whenever possible. This represents a shift from routine interoperability activities toward flexible, operationally demanding cooperation involving emerging technologies and multi-domain capabilities.

India and Japan already conduct Army exercise Dharma Guardian and maritime exercise JAIMEX, and are preparing for Veer Guardian 26, where Japanese fighter aircraft will visit India for the first time.

Mine countermeasures and disaster response

The agreement opens cooperation in mine countermeasures, an area with direct implications for maritime safety since naval mines threaten ports, shipping routes and vessels. The MoA also covers Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, enabling coordinated responses during emergencies.

Both countries welcomed the first trilateral naval PASSEX involving India, Japan and Indonesia conducted in February 2026, and agreed to promote cooperation through the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network aimed at supporting partner countries during natural disasters.

A new Working Group at Director-General/Joint Secretary level will ensure integrated progress across operations, intelligence, equipment, technology and industry.

Source: The Hindu