InternationalFriday, 21 August 2026·The Hindu - National
India and Japan sign maritime security MoA to deepen naval cooperation in Indo-Pacific
On August 20, 2026, India and Japan signed a Maritime Security Cooperation MoA covering MDA, SAR, HADR and naval logistics.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On August 20, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation in New Delhi to expand naval cooperation between India and Japan.
Key specifics
- The MoA was signed in New Delhi on August 20, 2026.
- It was signed by Rajnath Singh and Shinjiro Koizumi.
- The agreement covers Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- India and Japan will strengthen coordination through naval visits, joint exercises and personnel exchanges.
- The pact also explores ship repair facilities, mine countermeasures and joint development in naval shipbuilding and design.
Exam lens
International relations / defence cooperation question: India-Japan MoA, MDA, SAR, HADR, ship repair facilities — TNPSC may ask the date, ministers, and the operational areas covered.