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India’s Ministry of External Affairs has outlined a multifaceted diplomatic agenda ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile visits to Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, 2025. The announcements reflect India’s evolving foreign policy priorities, which include strengthening strategic partnerships, advancing defence cooperation, and asserting its interests in regional platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The visit to Japan will focus on launching new bilateral initiatives, discussing QUAD-related cooperation, and deepening defence and technology ties. Meanwhile, the China leg of the tour will center around the SCO Summit, where India is expected to raise issues of territorial integrity and regional stability.
Key Highlights from the Foreign Ministry Briefing
India remains in active dialogue with the United States regarding recent tariff escalations on Indian exports
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Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force are exploring ship maintenance collaboration in Indian dockyards
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India has expressed interest in specific Japanese defence platforms, including surveillance systems and unmanned maritime assets
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QUAD cooperation will be a central theme during PM Modi’s meeting with Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba
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Critical minerals and supply chain resilience are expected to be discussed under the QUAD framework
PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with several leaders during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China
Territorial integrity will be a key area of focus for India at the SCO platform
India-Japan Strategic Engagement: Defence, QUAD, and Innovation
Defence and Maritime Cooperation
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The Indian Navy is in talks with its Japanese counterpart to establish ship maintenance protocols in Indian facilities, potentially reducing turnaround time for Japanese vessels operating in the Indo-Pacific
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India is evaluating Japanese defence platforms for integration into its maritime surveillance and coastal security architecture
QUAD and Critical Minerals
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The QUAD grouping—comprising India, Japan, the US, and Australia—will be discussed extensively during Modi’s summit with PM Ishiba
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India and Japan are expected to align their critical minerals strategies to secure rare earths and lithium for clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing
New Bilateral Initiatives
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Several new initiatives will be launched during the Japan visit, including joint R&D in AI, semiconductor supply chain resilience, and green hydrogen pilot projects
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People-to-people exchanges, skilled worker mobility, and cultural diplomacy will also be enhanced
India-US Tariff Dialogue: Navigating Trade Tensions
The Ministry confirmed that India remains in touch with the US administration regarding recent tariff hikes on Indian goods
Discussions are ongoing to resolve trade frictions and preserve strategic economic ties
The dialogue is expected to continue through diplomatic channels and trade forums, with India emphasizing fair access and reciprocity
China Visit and SCO Summit: Asserting Sovereignty and Stability
Bilateral Meetings
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PM Modi is expected to meet several SCO member leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including those from Central Asia, Russia, and China
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These meetings will focus on connectivity, counterterrorism, and regional economic integration
Territorial Integrity and Regional Security
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India will emphasize the importance of respecting territorial sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution
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The SCO platform will be used to reinforce India’s stance on border stability and strategic autonomy
Conclusion: A Calibrated Diplomatic Offensive
India’s upcoming engagements with Japan, China, and the US reflect a deliberate and multidimensional foreign policy strategy. By deepening defence ties with Japan, maintaining dialogue with the US on trade, and asserting its interests at the SCO, India is positioning itself as a confident and autonomous actor in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. These moves underscore New Delhi’s commitment to strategic balance, economic resilience, and regional leadership.
Sources: Ministry of External Affairs India, CNBC TV18, MSN News, UNI India, Indian Express
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