16th India-Japan Summit: The Making of Asia's Most Trusted Partnership

As India and Japan celebrate a diamond jubilee of diplomatic relations, the Annual Summit mechanism continues to serve as the principal driver of one of Asia's most trusted and comprehensive strategic partnerships. The 16th Summit builds on this strong institutional foundation by expanding cooperation into new frontiers such as economic security, artificial intelligence, defence technology, clean energy and critical technologies, domains that will shape global influence in the twenty-first century.

The 16th India–Japan Annual Summit underscores the evolution of one of the Indo-Pacific's most consequential partnerships. The flagship summit, held in New Delhi during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's maiden official visit to India, marked another significant milestone in the steadily expanding Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two democracies.

Unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition, disruptions in global supply chains, economic coercion, technological rivalry and mounting security challenges across the Indo-Pacific, the summit reaffirmed the determination of New Delhi and Tokyo to deepen cooperation across defence, economic security, technology, energy, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. More importantly, it reflected the growing convergence of Indian and Japanese interests in shaping a rules-based regional and global order founded on trust, resilience and shared prosperity.

This summit stood out because of the remarkable evolution of bilateral relations over the past two decades. The India–Japan Annual Summit has emerged as one of the most important bilateral leadership mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the steady transformation of ties between Asia's two largest democracies. Since the launch of the Annual Summit framework in 2006, following the elevation of relations to a Strategic and Global Partnership, these annual meetings have provided consistent political direction to deepen cooperation across security, economy, technology, infrastructure and regional affairs.

Over the past few years, the summit mechanism has institutionalised high-level political engagement, ensuring continuity in bilateral cooperation irrespective of changes in political leadership in either country. The partnership was elevated further to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014, signalling a significant expansion in the breadth and ambition of bilateral cooperation. Initially centred on economic engagement, the India-Japan Annual Summit has gradually evolved into a multidimensional partnership encompassing defence, maritime security, emerging technologies, resilient supply chains, energy transition and regional diplomacy.

For many pertinent observers, one of the most enduring achievements of the summit process was the strengthening of defence and security cooperation. India and Japan have institutionalised the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, expanded military exercises, concluded the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), enhanced maritime cooperation and reinforced collaboration under the Quad to promote a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Along with this, sustained summit-level engagement has driven large-scale Japanese investments in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, resulting in flagship initiatives such as the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, metro rail systems, industrial corridors and logistics infrastructure. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), together with recent initiatives on semiconductors, critical minerals, resilient supply chains and digital technologies, has further broadened economic cooperation.

As India and Japan celebrate a diamond jubilee of diplomatic relations, the Annual Summit mechanism continues to serve as the principal driver of one of Asia's most trusted and comprehensive partnerships. The 16th Summit builds on this strong institutional foundation by expanding cooperation into new frontiers such as economic security, artificial intelligence, defence technology, clean energy and critical technologies, domains that will shape global influence in the twenty-first century.

From Transactional Engagement to Tactical Convergence

Shared values make friendships possible, but shared interests make them durable. Diplomats in both Tokyo and New Delhi are striving to achieve a greater complementarity of interests. India and Japan today view each other as indispensable partners. Their relationship has evolved beyond conventional bilateral cooperation and is now firmly centred on preserving a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, anchored in international law, freedom of navigation and respect for sovereignty.

The summit witnessed both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sanae reaffirming support for Japan's updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, which closely aligns with India's Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI) and MAHASAGAR vision. This convergence reflects a broader recognition that the Indo-Pacific's future will depend upon cooperative approaches among like-minded democracies capable of safeguarding regional stability while promoting inclusive economic growth.

The real significance of this convergence extends beyond regional geopolitics. As competition among major powers encompasses trade, technology, infrastructure and supply chains, India and Japan have recognised that economic cooperation itself has become an important instrument of national security.

Offering a broader perspective on this transformation while speaking to Japan Calling.in, Dr Gitanjali Sinha Roy, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Indo-Pacific Studies and Japanese Studies at the Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, observed: "The India-Japan Summit needs to be looked at through the lens of regional cooperation and economic security initiatives. Globally, the situation of most countries is driven by the need for critical minerals, which in turn will help build the semiconductor industry. During the COVID-19 period, due to work-from-home practices, there was an increase in the purchase of computers and related equipment. In the present times, with the advent of AI taking over our lives, the need for semiconductors is vital, as they not only power computers, laptops and smartphones, but also automobiles, energy panels and the creation of data centres. Thereby, India and Japan are looking at co-creating an ecosystem where semiconductors are a key focus, as they will also drive AI innovation.

Economic security is vital because, given the recent oil crises, the focus is on oil and energy resources, while sea lines of communication are equally important for the movement of commodities that sustain the economies of India and Japan. Trade is another aspect that has been emphasised, as there is a need to increase trade between the two countries. The exchange of goods and services is vital, as it helps create greater interdependence between them while reducing dependence on China.

High-quality, value-added products will benefit Japanese companies and firms, while also helping India, as it will need to manufacture to Japanese standards. Consequently, the Indian market will not only open up further for Japan but also for the world through its Make in India initiative. Energy security is also vital for grid technology, batteries, EVs, hydrogen and ammonia, all of which will change the game in the future. For Japan, regional security is imperative to its national interests, not only because of China but also for its sustainability in Southeast Asia as well as South Asia, as these regions are home to major trading routes and the largest populations in the Indo-Pacific, thereby opening up significant market opportunities."

Dr Sinha's assessment captures the essence of the summit that India and Japan are no longer collaborating solely for economic gains but are jointly shaping a resilient architecture for the Indo-Pacific.

Defence Cooperation Emerges as the Strategic Pillar

Among the most substantive outcomes of the summit was the continued strengthening of defence and maritime security cooperation. As maritime tensions flare up across the Indo-Pacific, both countries acknowledged that closer military collaboration is essential for safeguarding regional peace and stability.

The leaders welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral military engagements, including naval exercises, maritime cooperation and defence technology collaboration. They agreed to deepen maritime security through enhanced joint exercises, improved Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) using satellite technologies, naval Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) cooperation, and expanded defence industrial collaboration under India's 'Make in India' initiative.

One of the most prominent developments was the near-finalisation of the UNICORN defence project, reflecting the growing level of trust between the two countries in sharing sensitive defence technologies. Japan's ongoing review of its defence export principles is also expected to facilitate greater industrial cooperation with India, potentially opening new opportunities for co-development and co-production of advanced defence systems.

The summit reaffirmed the importance of institutional mechanisms by agreeing to convene the fourth India–Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue later this year, reinforcing regular consultations between the foreign and defence establishments of both countries.

This emphasis on defence cooperation underscores how India and Japan view security as extending beyond mere territorial defence. For both nations, it encompasses maritime stability, supply-chain resilience, cybersecurity and technological sovereignty. Their expanding cooperation demonstrates that the bilateral partnership has evolved into one capable of responding collectively to emerging regional and global challenges.

Former Ambassador of India to Japan, Sanjay Kumar Verma, aptly captured this transformation when he remarked: "The India-Japan partnership is entering its next generation, which is defined by mutual trust. The post-war decades were shaped by Japan's development partnership through Official Development Assistance, which established a strong foundation of confidence and goodwill. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marked the next stage, deepening economic integration while introducing a tactical dimension to bilateral ties. Today, as technology, economic security and geopolitics become increasingly intertwined, the defining feature of the relationship is trust anchored in collaboration on critical technologies, resilient supply chains, and a shared vision for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific."

Trust has indeed become the defining feature of contemporary India–Japan relations. It is this trust that enables cooperation in sensitive technologies, defence manufacturing, intelligence sharing and regional security initiatives, which are areas that would have been difficult to imagine two decades ago.

Unravelling the New Pillar of the India–Japan Partnership

If defence cooperation represents the central pillar of the India–Japan relationship, economic security has rapidly emerged as its defining economic dimension. Unlike in the past, when bilateral engagement was largely driven by trade, investment and infrastructure development, the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit underscored a fundamental shift in thinking. Today, economic resilience is viewed as an indispensable component of national security.

The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged geopolitical conflicts, growing concerns over economic coercion, and excessive dependence on single-country supply chains have compelled governments across the world to rethink globalisation. India and Japan are among the few countries leading this transition by seeking to build trusted, diversified and resilient economic partnerships.

Reflecting this shared understanding, the two countries jointly expressed concern over arbitrary export restrictions, economic coercion and non-market trade practices affecting critical minerals and core industries. They recognised that future economic stability would depend upon secure access to semiconductors, rare earths, pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

To operationalise this vision, both Modi and Takaichi adopted the India–Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation, providing a comprehensive framework for collaboration in semiconductors, critical minerals, information technology, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and trusted supply chains. The declaration symbolises a broader shift wherein economic policy is no longer viewed independently of foreign policy and national security.

This transformation was succinctly captured by Siddharth Deshmukh, President, Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC), who while speaking to Japan Calling.in observed: "The India-Japan Summit signals a clear shift from investment-led cooperation to a resilience-led partnership. The next phase will be judged not only by announcements, but by how effectively businesses convert trust into action through stronger supply chains, clean energy, technology cooperation, skills development and SME partnerships."

His observation serves as an important reminder that the true success of the summit will depend on implementation, more than anything else. Declarations and memoranda establish intent, but resilient supply chains, technology partnerships and industrial ecosystems will require sustained investment, policy coordination and private-sector participation.

Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence and the Technology Race

Perhaps no aspect of the summit better reflects the changing global landscape than the emphasis placed on emerging technologies. Artificial Intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum technologies, space exploration and digital infrastructure have become central to economic competitiveness and influence.

Recognising this reality, India and Japan agreed to strengthen cooperation under the India–Japan AI Cooperation Initiative while launching the inaugural India–Japan AI Strategic Dialogue. Both countries emphasised the importance of developing trusted, secure and resilient AI ecosystems capable of fostering innovation while addressing concerns relating to ethics, governance and cybersecurity.

Beyond artificial intelligence, the summit expanded collaboration in semiconductor manufacturing, scientific research, quantum technologies and the LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) Mission, demonstrating that technological cooperation now extends across civilian and strategic sectors alike.

The focus on semiconductors is particularly significant because Chips have become the backbone of virtually every modern industry. From smartphones and automobiles to defence systems, renewable energy technologies and data centres, these intricately designed forms of silicon are the engines of major global economies. By jointly investing in semiconductor ecosystems, India and Japan seek not only to reduce dependence on external suppliers but also to strengthen their respective positions within global technology value chains.

This technological collaboration complements India's growing manufacturing ambitions under the 'Make in India' initiative while allowing Japanese companies to diversify production bases amid deepening geopolitical uncertainty.

Energy Security and the Clean Energy Transition

Another major pillar of the summit was energy security. Recent volatility in global energy markets, disruptions to maritime transport routes and growing concerns over energy affordability have highlighted the importance of reliable energy partnerships.

The leaders stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted freedom of navigation through critical sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz, recognising that both India and Japan remain heavily dependent on secure maritime energy supplies.

However, the summit also demonstrated that energy security can no longer be separated from climate objectives. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating clean energy transitions through cooperation in green hydrogen, clean ammonia, solar technologies, battery storage, biofuels and nuclear energy.

A notable outcome was the launch of the India–Japan Cooperative Biogas for Growth Initiative, which seeks to promote sustainable bioenergy while contributing to rural development and energy diversification. Simultaneously, cooperation in hydrogen and ammonia technologies reflects both countries' long-term vision of decarbonising industrial production and transport.

Japan's continued support for India's membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA) further strengthens India's role in global energy governance and reinforces Tokyo's confidence in India's growing contribution to international energy security.

Expanding the Economic Horizon

Economic engagement has long been the cynosure of India–Japan relations, and the summit reaffirmed the importance of strengthening trade, investment and infrastructure cooperation.

Japanese investments continue to play a transformative role in India's economic development. The leaders reviewed progress towards achieving the target of JPY 10 trillion in Japanese investment in India while agreeing to accelerate the review of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to better reflect evolving economic realities.

The highly anticipated Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project remains the flagship symbol of bilateral cooperation. Japan reiterated its commitment to supporting India's objective of commencing commercial operations on priority sections by 2027 and expressed willingness to participate in future high-speed rail corridors across the country.

Beyond railways, bilateral cooperation now spans logistics, healthcare, agriculture, digital payments, financial integration, startups, MSMEs and industrial corridors, illustrating how the relationship has diversified across virtually every major sector of the economy.

Highlighting India's growing attractiveness as a manufacturing destination, Prashant Godghate, Chairman, Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA), remarked: "The India-Japan Summit once again reaffirms the deep strategic and economic partnership between our two nations, with mutual trade and investment at the heart of this relationship. As global companies diversify their supply chains under the China Plus One strategy, India offers Japanese businesses a strong, reliable and competitive alternative for manufacturing, sourcing and market expansion."

The convergence of India's manufacturing ambitions and Japan's search for resilient supply chains has indeed created a mutually beneficial partnership that extends beyond bilateral interests to reshape regional production networks.

The Human Foundation of Trust

Partnerships, like ancient trees, grow slowly. Yet once rooted, they weather even the fiercest storms. While defence and economic cooperation dominate headlines, the summit rightly recognised that durable partnerships ultimately rest upon strong societal linkages.

The leaders welcomed growing exchanges in education, tourism, scientific research, language training and cultural industries, including anime, manga, gaming and cinema. Programmes such as the LOTUS Initiative, the Sakura Science Exchange Programme, and the expansion of Japanese language education in India seek to facilitate greater mobility of students, researchers and skilled professionals.

Increasing collaboration between Indian States and Japanese prefectures also demonstrates the decentralisation of bilateral engagement beyond national governments. Such sub-national partnerships help strengthen business cooperation, educational exchanges and cultural understanding at the grassroots level.

Nevertheless, challenges remain.

Offering a balanced assessment, Prof. Srabani Roy Choudhury, Professor of Japan Studies, Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, noted: "The personal equation was well established by the use of the term 'Choti Bahen.' Many important MoUs were inked, and the spectrum of collaboration reflects the title of the Summit Joint Statement: 'Shared Growth, Prosperity and Resilience.' However, concerns that continue to remain include India's trade deficit with Japan, the shifting timeline of the High-Speed Rail project, and human mobility between the two nations."

Her observations underscore an important reality. While the trajectory remains overwhelmingly positive, addressing practical challenges relating to trade imbalances, project implementation and labour mobility will be essential for sustaining long-term momentum.

Regional and Global Coordination

The 16th Annual Summit reaffirmed the fairly global character of India–Japan cooperation. Both countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Quad while simultaneously supporting ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific architecture. They expressed concern over developments in the South China Sea and East China Sea, opposing unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through coercion or force and reaffirming their commitment to international law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed ongoing crises in Myanmar, Ukraine and the Middle East, emphasising peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law. On multilateral governance, India and Japan renewed their support for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated their mutual backing for each other's aspirations for permanent membership in an expanded Council.

Importantly, the joint statement strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, reflecting a broader convergence on regional security issues and a shared commitment to combating terrorism without distinction.

A Partnership Anchored in Trust

The summit was also notable for the warmth displayed between the two leaders, symbolising the growing comfort and trust underpinning bilateral relations.

Reflecting on the visit, Ambassador Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, former Indian Ambassador to Japan, observed: "Prime Minister Takaichi's visit to India for the 16th Annual India-Japan Prime Ministerial Summit was a resounding success, marked by a special personal warmth, with Prime Minister Modi calling her 'Choti Bahen' (younger sister). The Summit focused on economic security, energy resilience, investment and innovation as key sectors in the trajectory of India-Japan relations. The joint statement issued after the bilateral talks demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the discussions and the evident convergence on important regional and international developments."

Her remarks highlight that diplomacy is shaped not only by institutional mechanisms but also by personal rapport, political confidence and shared vision.

A Bond Forged Over Decades of Trust

The Indo-Pacific's future may not be decided by confrontation, but by the quiet confidence of partnerships such as this. What began as a relationship centred on development assistance and economic cooperation has evolved into a multidimensional partnership spanning defence, economic security, trusted technologies, resilient supply chains, clean energy, infrastructure and regional diplomacy.

Equally important is the shared recognition in New Delhi and Tokyo that the defining challenges of the twenty-first century, from geopolitical rivalry and technological disruption to climate change and economic coercion, cannot be tackled in isolation. They demand trusted partnerships rooted in shared democratic values, confidence and long-term commitment.

But the success of this partnership will eventually be measured not by declarations but by delivery. Timely execution of flagship projects, deeper technology collaboration, greater trade and investment, stronger people-to-people ties, and sustained regional coordination will determine whether the summit's ambitions translate into lasting outcomes.

As India emerges as a voice of the Global South and Japan deepens ties with trusted partners, their partnership is set to become a cornerstone of stability, economic resilience and a rules-based Indo-Pacific. The summit's theme, "Shared Growth, Prosperity and Resilience," captures not only the aspirations of the two nations but also a broader vision for an open, secure and prosperous regional order.