India, Japan Boost Ties: Launch AI Dialogue & Critical Minerals Group

In a significant step to deepen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, India and Japan unveiled fresh initiatives during the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi on January 16. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi co-chaired the talks, focusing on economic security, resilient supply chains, and emerging technologies amid evolving global challenges. The dialogue followed Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi’s call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, underscoring the upward trajectory of bilateral relations.

A key highlight was the launch of the India-Japan AI Dialogue, a new mechanism led by officials from both foreign ministries at the joint secretary-director general level. This initiative, building on earlier commitments during PM Modi’s visit to Japan in August 2025, aims to promote collaboration in artificial intelligence, including large language models, capacity building, training, and support for startups and businesses. The goal is to foster a trustworthy and innovative AI ecosystem that drives mutual growth and addresses shared interests in cutting-edge technology.

Simultaneously, both sides decided to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Critical Minerals under their bilateral economic security initiative in early 2026. This move seeks to advance cooperation on rare earth elements and other critical minerals essential for high-tech industries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. The JWG will build on existing frameworks like the Mineral Security Partnership, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and Quad initiatives, while also leveraging projects such as Toyota Tsusho’s rare earth refining effort in Andhra Pradesh to ensure stable and diversified supply chains.

Also Read: NCERT Cracks Down: 32,000 Pirated Books, Machines Seized in Ghaziabad

The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of areas, including investment, trade, innovation, defence cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural ties. Both ministers emphasized supply chain resilience in critical sectors, energy security, health, and maritime domains. They also agreed to hold a private-sector dialogue for public-private collaboration and schedule the second round of the Economic Security Dialogue in the first half of 2026, led by India’s Foreign Secretary and Japan’s Vice Minister.

These new mechanisms reflect the growing convergence between India and Japan in de-risking the global economy and shaping a rules-based international order. As leading democracies and major economies, the partnership holds immense potential to address geopolitical uncertainties while promoting innovation, sustainability, and mutual prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Enforces GRAP Stage-3 as AQI Plunges into Very Poor Zone