India-Japan Strategic Partnership Deepens During Foreign Minister Motegi’s New Delhi Visit

Japan and India pushed their strategic partnership into a more action-oriented phase during Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s New Delhi visit, deepening cooperation on security, AI, economic resilience, and the Indo-Pacific. From high-level talks with PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to agreements on supply chains, technology, and people-to-people ties, the visit signaled a shared resolve to shape a rules-based regional and global order amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.

Japan and India reaffirmed the depth and direction of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership during Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s visit to New Delhi, signalling a shared determination to strengthen cooperation across security, economy, technology, and people-to-people ties amid a volatile global environment.

The visit, Motegi’s first to India in nearly six years, came at a moment of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and marked a renewed push to align Japan–India relations with the evolving realities of the Indo-Pacific and global governance.

High-Level Engagement with PM Modi

On 16 January, Toshimitsu Motegi paid a courtesy call on PM Modi, where both sides described Japan and India as “natural partners” sharing fundamental democratic values and strategic interests.

Motegi underscored Japan’s commitment to working closely with India toward realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), while Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s desire to further deepen cooperation under the Japan–India Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The leaders reviewed progress under the Japan–India Joint Vision for the Next Decade, launched during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan in August last year, and agreed to elevate bilateral ties to new heights.

Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

Later the same day, Motegi held the 18th Japan–India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with S. Jaishankar, including a one-on-one meeting that lasted over two hours. Both ministers reaffirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation across three key pillars of security and defence, economy, investment and innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.

This meeting also featured a symbolic exchange reflecting the human dimension of diplomacy, with Motegi presenting Jaishankar a Japan national cricket team uniform, while Jaishankar gifted Motegi a bat signed by India’s national cricket team, underlining the role of cultural affinity in strengthening bilateral relations.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar gives Japan FM Toshimitsu Motegi a bat signed by the Indian cricket team.

Economic Security and Resilient Supply Chains

A central focus of the discussions was economic security cooperation, reflecting shared concerns over supply-chain vulnerabilities and strategic dependencies. Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation to build resilient supply chains, particularly in critical sectors.

They concurred on launching the Japan–India Private-Sector Dialogue on Economic Security (B2B) within the first quarter of the year, aimed at translating strategic intent into concrete industry-led outcomes. This will be followed by the second Japan–India Economic Security Dialogue (G2G) at the vice-ministerial level.

18th India - Japan Strategic Dialogue alongside FM Toshimitsu Motegi

Priority areas identified include semiconductors, critical minerals, information and communication technology, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals, all of which are central to India’s growth strategy and Japan’s industrial competitiveness. The two sides also agreed to convene the Joint Working Group on Mineral Resources at an early date, based on the existing bilateral memorandum of cooperation.

Expanding Japan–India AI Cooperation

Technology and innovation emerged as another key pillar of the visit, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence cooperation. Under the Japan–India AI Cooperation Initiative (JAI), the two ministers agreed to establish a Japan–India AI Strategic Dialogue to promote structured and long-term collaboration in AI research, governance, and applications.

Motegi stated that Japan would contribute to the success of India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit, highlighting growing convergence between the two countries in digital transformation and emerging technologies. In a significant announcement, he also said Japan would invite 500 highly skilled Indian AI professionals by 2030, a move welcomed by India as a boost to joint research, innovation ecosystems, and talent mobility.

People-to-People Ties and the 75th Anniversary

Recognising the importance of societal connections, both ministers agreed to designate 2027 as the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and India. The milestone year is expected to serve as a catalyst for expanded cultural, educational, and youth exchanges, bringing the peoples of the two countries closer together.

People-to-people engagement has long been a cornerstone of Japan–India relations, complementing strategic and economic cooperation. The anniversary framework is intended to further institutionalise these exchanges and ensure that bilateral ties remain broad-based and future-oriented.

Regional Security and Global Governance

Motegi briefed Jaishankar on Japan’s assessment of the regional security environment in the Indo-Pacific, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation toward FOIP, including through Quad coordination with Australia and the United States. The ministers also shared concerns over coercive actions in the region and agreed to maintain close coordination on responses to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Discussions extended to regional developments in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with agreement to enhance cooperation through platforms such as the Japan–India Act East Forum and to establish a policy dialogue on South Asia. Both sides also exchanged views on responsible global governance, including cooperation at the World Trade Organization and the need for United Nations Security Council reform.

Development and Symbolic Diplomacy

Beyond formal meetings, Motegi’s visit highlighted Japan’s long-standing development partnership with India. He visited the Delhi Metro, a flagship infrastructure project built with Japanese assistance and technology, and received a briefing on how Japanese practices, such as women-only cars, orderly boarding, and tactile guidance blocks, have been adapted to Indian conditions. Motegi also undertook a test ride on the metro, underscoring Japan’s contribution to India’s urban mobility.

FM Motegi visited Delhi Metro, a flagship infrastructure project built with Japanese assistance and technology with Japanese Ambassador Keichi Ono, Takuro Takeuchi, Chief Representative JICA India

In a gesture reflecting shared values, Motegi paid floral tributes at Raj Ghat, honouring Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India’s independence, and reaffirming the ethical foundations underpinning the bilateral relationship.

FM Motegi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, New Delhi

A Partnership Anchored in Trust and Strategy

Motegi’s New Delhi visit reinforced the message that Japan–India strategic partnership is no longer limited to declaratory diplomacy but is increasingly anchored in action-oriented cooperation across security, technology, economic resilience, and global governance.

As both countries navigate an era of geopolitical flux and economic fragmentation, the visit highlighted Japan’s intent to anchor its Indo-Pacific strategy firmly in partnership with India, and India’s view of Japan as a trusted partner in shaping a rules-based, open, and inclusive international order.

With momentum building across multiple domains and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations on the horizon, Japan–India relations appear poised to enter a more mature and consequential phase defined by strategic coordination and shared values, driven by people-centric engagement.