India seeks deeper defence ties with Japan amid push for strategic self-reliance
Japan can play a critical role in helping India respond to security threats, as New Delhi looks to broaden weapons procurement, analysts note
Earlier this month, both countries agreed to set up a new bilateral defence consultation framework, with Japanese media reporting that Tokyo had offered to help India develop fighter jets and tanks, including through potential exports of engines and other key components.
New Delhi blamed the assault on Islamabad and responded with missile strikes on what it described as “terrorist camps” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, prompting retaliatory attacks and bringing the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of full-scale war.
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Although Japan is unlikely to be directly involved in any future hostilities between India and Pakistan, it could play a critical role in helping India prevent and respond to security threats, according to Dattesh Parulekar, an assistant professor at Goa University’s School of International and Area Studies.