New Delhi, 23 April (H.S.): India has welcomed Japan’s decision to ease long‑standing restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, describing it as a step that will strengthen defence and security cooperation between the two countries. New Delhi views defence collaboration as a key pillar of the special strategic and global partnership shared by India and Japan.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal said that India welcomes Japan’s review of its three principles governing the transfer of defence equipment and technology. He reiterated that, under the India–Japan Joint Security Cooperation Declaration, both nations are committed to enhancing practical cooperation in their national security and economic interest, including through deeper technical and industrial collaboration between government institutions and the private sector so as to build resilience in critical domains.

Notably, Japan endorsed on Tuesday the removal of the ban on exports of lethal weapons—a major departure from the country’s post‑war pacifist policy—as it seeks to revitalize its defence industry and deepen partnerships with like‑minded security partners.

The move marks a significant evolution in Japan’s strategic posture and is expected to open new avenues for co‑production, joint development, and technology sharing with countries such as India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar