India and Japan deepen ties on AI, defence

NEW DELHI: India and Japan agreed on Thursday to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical metals, energy and defence, as the two countries moved to strengthen their broader strategic and economic relationship.

The understandings were reached after talks in New Delhi between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is on a three-day visit to India. A large business delegation is accompanying Takaichi during the trip.

Alongside the sector-specific agreements, the two sides also adopted a joint roadmap on economic security. The move adds to growing coordination between the two countries as they seek closer alignment in strategic and commercial matters.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Takaichi said the partnership had become more important in the current global environment.

"Japan and India will leverage each other's strengths to grow strong and prosperous together," she said, adding, "Amid a turbulent international landscape, building such a mutually complementary cooperative relationship has become increasingly important."

The visit comes after Modi travelled to Tokyo last year, when Japan pledged to more than double its investment in India to more than $61 billion over the next decade, underlining the expanding economic ties between the two countries.