India and Japan sign maritime security pact

India and Japan significantly advanced their defense and security partnership on Thursday with the signing of a landmark agreement on maritime cooperation, amid shared concerns over regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The move came during high-level talks in New Delhi involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and visiting Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

The central development was the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation by Ministers Singh and Koizumi. The agreement establishes a formal framework for enhanced collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Its key provisions include strengthening information sharing on Maritime Domain Awareness, as well as greater cooperation in search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The two ministers also agreed to bolster coordination to protect vital Sea Lines of Communication. This will be achieved through reciprocal naval ship visits, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and improved logistical support, including access to ports and maintenance facilities. The discussions explored deeper...