India, Japan sign first defence co-development pact as PM Modi calls Takaichi his 'younger sister'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, as his "younger sister" as the two leaders announced a major expansion of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership following the 16th Annual Summit in New Delhi.

Addressing a joint press conference after bilateral talks, PM Modi said Takaichi's maiden visit to India as Prime Minister was "writing a new chapter" in ties between the two countries.

Calling Takaichi a "Japan First Prime Minister" and a "visionary leader", PM Modi said India and Japan shared a common vision for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

"Our shared priorities are a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Our technology partnership has become an important pillar of our relationship," PM Modi said.

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First defence co-development project signed

In a significant announcement, PM Modi revealed that India and Japan had signed their first defence co-development project, marking a new phase in bilateral security cooperation.

"We will jointly develop defence technologies that will contribute to regional peace, maritime security and a rules-based international order," he said.

The move comes as both countries deepen strategic cooperation amid growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Also read | Why critical minerals have become the new oil in India-Japan ties

$10 trillion yen investment target

Highlighting growing economic ties, PM Modi said Japan and India had signed 120 new business agreements over the past year, adding that Japanese investment in India continues to rise.

He announced an ambitious target of 10 trillion yen in Japanese investment into India over the next 10 years, aimed at strengthening manufacturing, infrastructure and technology partnerships.

Roadmap on economic and energy security

The Prime Minister said both sides had prepared a joint roadmap on energy security and economic security in response to global uncertainties.

According to PM Modi, the roadmap focuses on strengthening resilient supply chains in key sectors such as semiconductors and quantum technologies, while expanding cooperation in emerging technologies.

India-Japan biogas initiative

PM Modi also announced the launch of the India-Japan Biogas Initiative under the Govardhan Pahal programme.

The initiative will support the establishment of biogas plants across India and is expected to promote sustainability, rural livelihoods and clean energy while strengthening bilateral cooperation in the green economy.

The summit also saw discussions on defence, technology, trade, supply chain resilience and regional security, reinforcing the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tokyo.