Japan and India Agree to Deepen Technology Cooperation at G20 Summit
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sunday at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to The Japan Times, the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across security, economy, and investment. The meeting lasted 35 minutes and began at 1:40 pm local time.
This was the first in-person meeting between Takaichi and Modi since Takaichi became Japan's first female prime minister in October 2025. The leaders previously held a phone conversation on October 29. Takaichi requested Modi's support for bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and economic security. Both leaders confirmed plans to expand cooperation toward a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting occurred as security conditions in the Indo-Pacific become more challenging. Takaichi also met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the summit.
Strategic Priorities Drive Bilateral Agenda
The technology cooperation targets critical supply chain gaps between the two nations. Japan leads in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and advanced materials. India has expanded its semiconductor ecosystem under domestic manufacturing programs. The partnership addresses India's dependence on Chinese imports, which account for one-third of its semiconductor purchases.
DD News reports that Japan and India launched the India-Japan Dialogue on Economic Security in August 2025. The framework covers strategic trade and emerging technologies. Japanese firm Renesas Electronics established a semiconductor facility in Gujarat. The company signed agreements with Indian research institutions in May 2025.
Japan extended yen loan support for Tamil Nadu's investment program targeting semiconductor startups. Both countries designated 2025 as the Year of Science, Technology and Innovation Exchanges. NTT Data committed to building an AI data center cluster in Hyderabad.
Regional Security Architecture Expands Through Partnership
The Japan-India relationship reflects broader shifts in Indo-Pacific security dynamics. ORF Online notes that Japan pursues a layered maritime security strategy with India, Indonesia, and Australia. The approach combines defense cooperation, capacity building, and strategic financing.
The Malabar Exercise in November 2025 brought together Japan, India, Australia, and the United States. The quadrilateral naval drill demonstrates operational convergence among maritime democracies. Japan participated in exercises with Indonesia and continues joint patrol initiatives across Southeast Asia.
The partnership addresses concerns about China's expanding regional presence. Japan's strategy aims to maintain a rules-based order through flexible coalitions. India's growing naval capabilities provide Japan with options beyond its traditional alliance with the United States. Both countries seek to preserve strategic autonomy while deepening cooperation.
The technology focus complements security objectives. Japan and India cooperate in space through joint missions and satellite infrastructure. Supply chain resilience measures target rare earth minerals and critical materials. These efforts aim to reduce dependence on single-source suppliers.
Further Reading
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