India and Japan deepen strategic partnership at 16th annual summit

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sanae Takaichi met in New Delhi for the 16th India‑Japan Annual Summit, issuing a series of joint declarations that broadened cooperation across defence, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, clean energy and supply‑chain resilience. The partners pledged to expand defence equipment and technology ties, co‑develop a naval radio antenna project, and deepen maritime security cooperation, including the upcoming fourth 2+2 ministerial meeting and the JAIMEX 25 naval exercise.

An Economic Security Declaration set out a roadmap for joint work on semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals, while a new AI Statement launched an India‑Japan AI Strategic Dialogue to promote trustworthy, human‑centric AI research and development. Energy collaboration was heightened through a Joint Statement on Energy Resilience, the Cooperative Biogas for Growth programme targeting 1,000 biogas plants, and joint actions on green hydrogen, clean ammonia and strategic petroleum reserves. The summit also reaffirmed commitment to the Quad, accelerating preparations for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit and announcing an inaugural trilateral policy dialogue with the Philippines.

Both leaders condemned cross‑border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, naming groups such as Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba and Jaish‑e‑Mohammad, and called for global action against safe‑havens. The agreements were complemented by Japanese investment commitments, including continued support for the Mumbai‑Ahmedabad high‑speed rail project slated for commercial operation by 2027.