JAI: Rajnath Singh Strengthens India’s Defence Ties With Japan and Australia at ASEAN Summit

India is stepping up its defence engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held important bilateral discussions with his Japanese and Australian counterparts on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines. The meetings highlighted India’s growing focus on regional security, defence cooperation and strategic coordination with friendly nations.

On October 29, 2026, Rajnath Singh shared a photograph with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, accompanied by the message “JAI: Japan, Australia, India.” The message reflected the importance India attaches to its partnerships with the two Indo-Pacific countries amid evolving regional security challenges.

During his meeting with Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on October 28, Singh discussed ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and explored opportunities to expand the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Both sides acknowledged progress in maritime security cooperation, including discussions on mine countermeasure capabilities and the possibility of joint development in naval shipbuilding and design. The proposed collaboration aims to combine Japan’s advanced technological expertise with India’s manufacturing capabilities.

The discussions also covered stronger cooperation between the Indian and Japanese air forces. This follows the participation of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft in the India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian 26, marking an important development in military-to-military engagement. Both countries also welcomed the progress made through the India-Japan Defence Industry Forum, which brought together around 40 companies from both nations to explore opportunities for industrial collaboration.

Singh also held discussions with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles to review the progress of India-Australia defence cooperation and identify new areas for closer coordination. Both leaders reiterated the importance of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in supporting a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. As a gesture towards strengthening bilateral engagement, Singh invited Marles to attend Aero India 2027, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru in February 2027.

The growing engagement with Japan and Australia forms an important part of India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy. Both countries are significant partners in strengthening maritime security, defence technology cooperation and regional stability. Closer coordination also creates opportunities for joint military exercises, defence industry partnerships and improved interoperability between the armed forces.

The 13th ADMM-Plus, held in Cebu on October 28-29, provided an important platform for India to engage with ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including Japan, Australia, the United States and South Korea. The forum focuses on strengthening defence cooperation, promoting strategic dialogue and addressing shared regional security concerns.

Rajnath Singh’s “JAI” message therefore carries significance beyond a diplomatic photograph. It highlights India’s continued efforts to build stronger relationships with like-minded Indo-Pacific partners through dialogue, defence collaboration and shared strategic interests. As regional security dynamics continue to evolve, cooperation between India, Japan and Australia is expected to remain an important element of efforts to maintain peace, stability and security across the Indo-Pacific.