Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced India's first-ever defence co-development agreement with Japan following the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
The landmark pact marks a major milestone in bilateral defence cooperation and reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Addressing a joint press conference after the summit, Prime Minister Modi said Japan has played a vital role in India's economic growth over the past several decades.
He described Prime Minister Takaichi's visit as the beginning of a new chapter in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and warmly welcomed her on her first official visit to India since assuming office.
PM Modi said Japan's precision manufacturing and India's software expertise would drive global AI innovation, with both countries expanding cooperation in emerging technologies.
He also highlighted the shared Buddhist heritage linking India's and Japan's Nara region, saying mutual trust remains the foundation of the bilateral partnership amid global uncertainty.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a free, open, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
They launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening regional stability and enhancing cooperation between Asia's leading democracies and major market economies.
India and Japan adopted a joint roadmap on economic security to strengthen supply chains in semiconductors, quantum technology and advanced materials, while enhancing cooperation in critical technologies.
PM Modi also announced the India-Japan Biogas Initiative to establish 1,000 biogas and organic fertiliser plants across India, supporting the GobarDhan programme and rural sustainability.
The summit further strengthened bilateral cooperation in defence, technology, energy, trade and regional security, reaffirming both countries' shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.