Tokyo/New Delhi, Oct 21 (NationPress) The defence partnership between India and Japan, which emphasizes collaboration in stealth systems, naval platforms, unmanned vehicles, cyber defence, and potentially fighter jets and submarines, is crucial for advancing India’s defence modernisation and strategic autonomy, according to a report released on Tuesday.

This collaboration not only provides India with essential technologies but also fosters indigenous production, operational synergy, and contributes to regional stability in the increasingly complex Indo-Pacific region.

“The defence cooperation between India and Japan has evolved into a fundamental pillar for regional security in the Indo-Pacific. This growth is driven by mutual strategic interests, complementary capabilities, and a heightened focus on defence technology collaboration,” the report in ‘India Narrative’ elaborated.

“For India, engaging with Japan on specific defence systems and materials is vital for upgrading its military forces, stimulating indigenous defence production, and enhancing strategic independence, while also addressing its evolving security needs,” it pointed out.

The report highlights that the geopolitical climate in the Indo-Pacific, influenced by China’s assertive posture, including territorial conflicts, naval expansion, and emerging hybrid threats, has expedited India-Japan defence collaboration.

The August 2025 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between the two nations emphasized enhanced interoperability, joint exercises, and mutual defence preparedness, while also focusing on cooperation in chemical, biological, radiological defence, cyber warfare, and maritime security.

“Both countries, as democracies committed to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, have deepened their cooperation in defence technology development, techno-industrial collaboration, and operational integration. India particularly views Japan’s technological advancements and its growing willingness to export defence capabilities as a significant opportunity to enhance its military strength,” the report stressed.

The report also mentions that by partnering with India, Japan secures a reliable regional ally with a robust maritime presence and an expanding defence market, aligning with its national security and economic objectives. Conversely, for India, Japan’s technological and industrial engagement is crucial for strengthening defence modernisation and interoperability within a competitive geopolitical landscape.

This collaboration, as noted in the report, enhances regional stability by improving joint response capabilities against terrorism, piracy, and hybrid threats. It also highlighted that logistics support agreements and intelligence sharing have significantly improved operational efficiency and readiness, contributing directly to a secure and open Indo-Pacific.

“With Japan’s evolving defence export strategy and India’s growing defence industrial base, the future appears promising for joint development of advanced fighter jets, submarines, and next-generation combat systems that could redefine their strategic partnership,” the report concluded.