New Delhi [India], April 23 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday welcomed Japan’s decision to review its long-standing framework governing transfers of defence equipment and technology, calling it a positive step that could strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India welcomes Japan’s review of the three principles on the transfer of defence equipment and technology. Defence and security cooperation form an important pillar of the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership.” He noted both countries have steadily deepened collaboration under a shared strategic vision.
Jaiswal added that the evolving framework would enable greater technological and industrial collaboration between governments and private-sector stakeholders, particularly in sectors critical to national security and resilience. “This includes promotion and facilitation of technological and industrial collaboration between government entities and private sector stakeholders for resilience in sectors critical to national security,” he said.
The comments follow Japan’s April 21 announcement of amendments to its “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology” and related implementation guidelines. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the revisions substantially expand the scope of permissible defence exports.
Takaichi noted that previous restrictions had limited overseas transfers of domestically produced defence equipment to five categories — including search and rescue, transportation, surveillance and mine countermeasures — and that the amendment makes transfers of all defence equipment, in principle, possible. She pointed to a changing global security environment and said no country can ensure its security alone, underlining the importance of partnerships in defence equipment cooperation.
The Japanese leader said the changes aim to enhance partner nations’ defence capabilities and contribute to conflict prevention, while maintaining adherence to international export control frameworks and strict case-by-case reviews. Recipients would be limited to countries committed to principles under the United Nations Charter, with rigorous end-use monitoring.
Reaffirming Japan’s post-war pacifist stance, Takaichi said there is “no change” in the country’s commitment to its peace-oriented principles, while adding the new approach will allow strategic promotion of equipment transfers accompanied by careful judgments on permissibility.
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