Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, visited the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima, where he met Vice Admiral Matsumoto Tamotsu, Commandant of the Kure District, and inspected the JS Niyodo — the 7th Mogami-class stealth frigate of the JMSDF. The visit, part of Singh's broader official tour of Japan, underscored the deepening maritime security partnership between India and Japan.

Kure Naval Base Visit and JS Niyodo Inspection

Singh's tour of the Kure Naval Base included a close look at the JS Niyodo, one of Japan's most advanced stealth frigates in the Mogami class. The Mogami-class vessels represent the cutting edge of Japan's surface warfare capability, and the inspection signals India's interest in deepening maritime technology exchanges. According to the Ministry of Defence's Directorate of Public Relations, the visit 'reaffirmed the commitment of India-Japan to further strengthen maritime security cooperation and deepen defence ties.'

8th India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo

A day earlier, on 13 July 2026, Singh co-chaired the 8th India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo alongside Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji. The dialogue reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral defence engagements — spanning military-to-military exchanges, joint headquarters cooperation, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building, and equipment and technology cooperation including maritime technology. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing convergence on regional and global security issues and agreed to continue close coordination in the Indo-Pacific.

The two nations reiterated their shared commitment to a 'free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific' founded on respect for international law. Discussions also covered emerging domains such as cyber security, space, defence industrial collaboration, and technological innovation.

Singh Calls on Japan's Defence Minister Koizumi

Singh also called on Japanese Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi, conveying greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and extending a formal invitation for Koizumi to visit India at the earliest opportunity. The two sides acknowledged the growing momentum of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and built on the outcomes of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent visit to India. Wide-ranging discussions covered regional security, maritime cooperation, and defence industrial collaboration.

Tribute at Self-Defense Forces Memorial

Singh also laid a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) who have made the supreme sacrifice in service of their nation — a gesture that underlined the mutual respect at the heart of the bilateral relationship.

What Comes Next

Both sides discussed probable outcomes for forthcoming ministerial visits, including the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue scheduled later this year. The steady expansion of defence cooperation and the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges were stressed by both delegations. With the 2+2 on the horizon, the groundwork laid during this visit is expected to shape the next phase of India-Japan defence architecture in the Indo-Pacific.