India's top diplomat alludes to a 'new phase' in Japanese defense relations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar states that defense links can constitute an “important element” in India’s relation with Japan.

Speaking to the media from his New Delhi office prior to his three-day trip to Tokyo, Jaishankar stated that India expects its allies to be competitive in the defense sector. Additionally, the focus currently lies on sourcing from "Make in India" initiatives. Japanese businesses ought to look into collaborating more. He continued by saying that as India and Japan were about to embark on a new chapter in their relationship, it was in everyone's best interests to concentrate on the potential of the modern world.

Beginning on Wednesday, Jaishankar will be in Japan as both nations seek to strengthen the stronger relations that have been established between the late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Last year, Fumio Kishida, the prime minister of Japan, and Modi reciprocally visited each other's nations, promoting collaboration on Indo-Pacific security, infrastructure development, and assistance for the developing nations of the so-called Global South.

In the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan, the interview took place during the fifth iteration of joint military exercises between Indian and Japanese forces, known as Dharma Guardian.

Jaishankar stated that he will emphasize the "enormous potential" of collaboration on cutting-edge and vital technologies, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, electric mobility, and more, during his visit, in addition to the possibilities for cooperative military manufacturing. India last Monday approved the development of two assembly units and its first semiconductor production factory, which would be created in partnership by local conglomerates and businesses from Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand.