1 week ago

India and Japan Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions

India and Japan agreed to work more closely to keep important ocean routes safe.

Their defence ministers signed an agreement in New Delhi.

The countries will share information and hold more naval exercises.

They may also help each other repair ships and use ports.

They said countries should not use force to change existing conditions at sea.

The agreement comes as India is concerned about China’s growing naval influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Japan and India also want to cooperate on defence manufacturing and technology.

Their air forces are preparing for an exercise called Veer Guardian 26.

Key facts

Agreement: India and Japan signed a memorandum of arrangement on maritime security cooperation.
Cooperation areas: Information sharing, naval exercises, ship repairs, logistical support, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance.
Sea-line protection: The countries will coordinate through naval-ship visits, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, port access, maintenance and repair facilities.
Regional concern: An Indian defence ministry official said India is worried about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Air exercise: Veer Guardian 26 will involve the two countries’ air forces, with Japanese fighter aircraft visiting India for the first time for the exercise.
Defence technology: The ship-borne UNICORN integrated communications antenna system was described as the first defence equipment transfer project between the two countries.
Industrial cooperation: The ministers discussed Japan’s use of India’s production capabilities under the Make-in-India framework.

telegraphindia.com · 1 week ago