India and Japan are strengthening their strategic partnership with the launch of new initiatives focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and critical minerals. This development occurred during the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi.
The key outcomes of the dialogue included the launch of the India-Japan AI Dialogue and the decision to convene a Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals. The AI Dialogue, an initiative previously announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, aims to bolster bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on economic security. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, this dialogue will strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies. Japan has also offered to invite 500 skilled AI professionals from India by 2030 to encourage joint research. India will be hosting an AI Impact Summit in February of this year, to which Japan intends to contribute.
The Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals falls under the Economic Security Initiative and seeks to advance cooperation in rare earth elements and other critical minerals. This is particularly significant given the vulnerabilities in global supply chains. A spokesperson from Japan's foreign ministry confirmed that economic security was extensively discussed, considering the current geopolitical shifts. The working group will specifically focus on collaboration in rare earth elements and other vital resources, operating within a broader economic security framework designed to ensure stable supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities. Under the India-Japan economic security initiative, both sides will convene a private sector dialogue to enhance public-private cooperation in the field of economic security. A second round of the 'Economic Security Dialogue', led by India's foreign secretary and the Japanese vice minister for foreign affairs, will be held in the first half of 2026.
During the strategic dialogue, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the India-Japan partnership in de-risking the global economy. He highlighted that the relationship between the two countries has evolved from primarily economic engagement to a broad, comprehensive, and strategic one, featuring close coordination in forums such as the Quad, the UN, the G20, and the G4.
Both ministers reviewed the bilateral relationship, encompassing supply chain resilience in critical sectors, trade, investment, technology, innovation, defense cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural ties. They also looked forward to 2027, which will mark 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, and they plan to expand engagement across various sectors.
In addition to AI and critical minerals, discussions covered resilient supply chains, defense, and ways to address energy, health, and maritime security. Jaishankar stated that India attaches the highest priority to its partnership with Japan, emphasizing their shared duty to shape the global order. Both sides also agreed to expedite the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, with Japan reiterating its commitment to supplying India with the next-generation E10 Shinkansen train.
