Tokyo | July 13, 2026: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh paid tribute to Japan’s fallen servicemen and women by laying a wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo on Monday, reaffirming the strong defence ties and shared democratic values between India and Japan.

The solemn ceremony honoured the brave personnel of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their nation. The gesture reflected India’s deep respect for Japan’s armed forces and underscored the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

The wreath-laying ceremony forms part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has witnessed significant expansion in defence, security, maritime cooperation, and regional stability over the past decade.

Strengthening Defence Cooperation

The visit highlighted the increasing momentum in bilateral defence and security cooperation, with both nations working closely to promote peace, stability, and a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

India and Japan have steadily enhanced collaboration through:

• Regular high-level defence dialogues.
• Joint military exercises across land, sea, and air domains.
• Maritime security and naval cooperation.
• Defence technology and industrial collaboration.
• Coordination on regional and global security challenges.

Shared Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

Officials noted that the tribute symbolises the mutual respect, trust, and shared democratic values that form the foundation of the India–Japan relationship. Both countries continue to play an important role in ensuring peace, security, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region while supporting a rules-based international order.

The visit also reaffirmed the commitment of New Delhi and Tokyo to deepen cooperation on strategic, regional, and global issues, further strengthening one of Asia’s most important bilateral partnerships.

As India and Japan continue expanding defence engagement and strategic coordination, such high-level exchanges are expected to further reinforce mutual trust and contribute to long-term regional peace and stability.