India and Japan Sign Maritime Security Pact

India and Japan have signed a maritime security pact aimed at deepening defence cooperation. The agreement covers navy-to-navy interaction, ship repair support and enhanced maritime domain awareness.

Both countries share concerns about freedom of navigation and the security of sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific. The pact provides a framework for more regular exercises, information sharing and logistical support. Japanese ships will gain access to Indian repair facilities, while Indian vessels will benefit from reciprocal arrangements.

Maritime domain awareness involves the collection and fusion of data from satellites, aircraft, ships and shore sensors to track vessels and detect anomalies. Closer cooperation allows both navies to build a more complete picture of activity across the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.

The agreement builds on existing frameworks including the Quad and bilateral 2+2 dialogues. It arrives at a time of increased Chinese naval presence in the region and ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. India and Japan have both expanded their naval modernisation programmes in response.

Implementation will require detailed protocols on data handling, operational coordination and the scope of repair services. Officials on both sides have described the pact as practical rather than declarative, focused on concrete capabilities rather than political signalling alone.

Further technical talks are expected to flesh out the schedules for exercises and the list of facilities covered by the repair arrangements. The pact adds another layer to the growing web of security partnerships linking India and Japan.