The recent agreement between India and Japan marks the beginning of their first co-development project involving the Naval Radio Antenna known as ‘UNICORN.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced the project during a press conference held on July 2, in New Delhi. He described the initiative as a significant milestone in the defence technology collaboration between the two nations.

According to PM Modi, the agreement will facilitate joint efforts to develop defence technologies aimed at enhancing regional peace and maritime security. The UNICORN project is expected to strengthen the military capabilities of the Indian Navy by improving the stealth characteristics of its naval platforms.

In November 2024, a Memorandum of Implementation was signed at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, formalising the initiative between the Indian and Japanese governments. The focus of this collaboration will be on the co-development of the UNICORN mast, which will be fitted onto ships belonging to the Indian Navy.

Statements from the Leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also expressed her support for the newly established partnership. During her address, she emphasised the importance of leveraging the strengths of both nations to foster peace and stability in the region. Takaichi noted that India and Japan are currently among the largest economies globally, which positions them to undertake significant initiatives in support of a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

She remarked that the shared priority of both nations is to uphold a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring stability and progress across the region. Takaichi’s statements reinforced the idea that the recent agreements will contribute positively to ongoing efforts to cultivate mutual benefits between India and Japan.

During her statement, she highlighted the historical ties and mutual respect that underpin the bilateral relationship, indicating a commitment to ongoing collaboration in various sectors beyond defence.

Additional Collaborations and Memoranda Signed

In addition to the defence project, multiple Memoranda of Cooperation (MoC) were signed on July 2, 2023, covering various sectors. One notable agreement was established between the Geological Survey of India and the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security, focusing on geology and mineral exploration.

Another significant MoC addresses the pharmaceuticals sector, while yet another involves cooperation between India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry concerning battery technologies. Furthermore, both nations signed a MoC on organic fertiliser production, aimed at promoting energy security and sustainable mobility.

These agreements reflect the broader intent of both governments to deepen their partnership across various sectors and address global challenges collectively. Prime Minister Takaichi’s official visit to India, scheduled from July 1 to 3, illustrates the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Historical Context of India-Japan Relations

The relationship between India and Japan is deeply rooted in a shared history of cultural, civilizational, and spiritual exchange. The diplomatic ties between the nations began in 1952 and have progressively evolved over the years. In 2000, the partnership transitioned to a Global Partnership, which was further upgraded to a Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006.

The designation of the relationship as a Special Strategic and Global Partnership was formalised in 2014 during a summit between PM Modi and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This progression exemplifies the commitment of both nations to fostering closer ties in various areas of mutual interest.

As India and Japan continue to collaborate on defence and related sectors, their longstanding friendship is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing shared challenges and promoting regional stability.

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