India-South Korea Sign MoU on Veterans Affairs, Discuss KIND-X Initiative and Defence Cyber Cooperation During Defence Minister's Visit

India-Japan Defence Cooperation: Maritime Framework & UNICORN Transfer Boost Operational Capability

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited India in August 2026, resulting in agreements for a maritime security framework, information sharing, and the transfer of UNICORN communication system. The visit signals a shift from strategic declarations to operational capability, including the first-ever participation of Japanese fighter aircraft in Indian exercise Veer Guardian. This cooperation moves beyond a China-centric agenda to build a resilient Indo-Pacific security architecture.

India-UK Defence Consultative Group Reviews Industrial Roadmap, Maritime Security Cooperation

India and the UK held the 25th Defence Consultative Group meeting, reviewing defence industrial cooperation under the India-UK Vision 2035 and the 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap. The meeting focused on expanding joint exercises, capacity building, and maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

India-Belgium Sign Letter of Intent for Defence Cooperation: €50 Mn Ammo Plant, MCM Vessels & Drone Projects

India and Belgium signed a Letter of Intent for structural defence cooperation, covering joint exercises, maritime security, and industrial projects. Key deals include a €50 million ammunition production line (100 million rounds/year), mine countermeasure vessels, and assembly of 70mm rockets in India. This strengthens India's defence indigenisation and Belgium's foothold in the Indo-Pacific.

India-Japan Sign Maritime Security MoA: Deeper Naval Cooperation in Indo-Pacific

India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation, deepening operational ties including information sharing, naval exercises, and logistics support under the 'Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. This pact is crucial for UPSC exams as it ties into India's Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific strategy, and defence diplomacy.

India-Japan Maritime Security Pact: Make in India Boost, Veer Guardian 26, UNICORN Project

India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation, strengthening bilateral defence ties in the Indo-Pacific. Key highlights include joint exercises (Dharma Guardian, JAIMEX, Veer Guardian 26 with first Japan Air Force visit to India), defence industrial cooperation under Make in India, and the first defence equipment transfer project (UNICORN). This pact is crucial for UPSC GS2 (bilateral relations) and GS3 (security, defence).

RAKSHA Framework: India Unveils 10-Year Defence Diplomacy Blueprint, Exports Hit ₹38,424 Cr

India has unveiled 'RAKSHA', a comprehensive 10-year framework to integrate defence diplomacy with foreign policy and national security. The blueprint emphasizes deepening strategic partnerships, defence industrial cooperation under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and boosting defence exports which hit a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26.

India-Vietnam Agree to Co-Produce Defence Equipment, Deepen Strategic Partnership Under Act East Policy

India and Vietnam have agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, including co-production of Indian defence equipment. This move strengthens the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under India's Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, with a clear focus on countering China’s assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan's F-2A Fighter Deploys to India for Veer Guardian 2026; Boosts Interoperability and Indo-Pacific Vision

India and Japan conducted the second edition of bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian at Jodhpur AFS, with Japan deploying its Mitsubishi F-2A fighter for the first time on Indian soil. The exercise underscores growing interoperability between IAF and JASDF amidst shared concerns over China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Key agreements like ACSA and co-development of UNICORN stealth antenna are deepening bilateral defence ties.