India, July 2 -- India and Japan have announced their first-ever defence co-development project, marking a major milestone in their growing strategic partnership. The announcement was made after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. The initiative is aimed at strengthening defence technology collaboration, promoting joint research, and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two countries also signed agreements covering artificial intelligence (AI), economic security, energy, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing.

Prime Minister Modi said the defence co-development project reflects the growing trust between the t...