Japan JS Ariake and India INS Shakti conduct joint naval exercise in Bay of Bengal.

According to information published by the Japanese MoD on October 8, 2024, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Ariake recently conducted a joint exercise with the Indian Navy replenishment ship INS Shakti in the Bay of Bengal.
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Japanese Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake and Indian Deepark-class replenishment ship INS Shakti. (Picture source: Japanese MoD)

India and Japan share growing concerns about the Chinese Navy's increasing presence in both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. These concerns are driven by China's aggressive territorial expansion, notably in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and its broader strategy to extend its influence across the Indo-Pacific region.

For India, China's "String of Pearls" strategy, which involves building partnerships and establishing naval facilities in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Myanmar, is seen as an effort to encircle India and limit its influence in the Indian Ocean. China's increasing naval deployments, including submarines, in the Indian Ocean further fuel India's apprehensions. In response, India has been strengthening its maritime surveillance and increasing cooperation with allies, particularly Japan, to counter China's activities.

Japan, similarly, faces direct threats from China, particularly concerning the disputed Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu in China). China’s assertive actions in the East China Sea and its growing military capabilities have led Japan to bolster its defense, particularly in its southwestern islands, and strengthen its security partnerships, notably through the Quad alliance, which includes India, Japan, the United States, and Australia.

Both countries have responded to these threats by enhancing military cooperation. India and Japan recently signed a 10-year military pact that allows for greater coordination between their armed forces, particularly in naval operations. This pact is seen as a strategic move to counter Chinese assertiveness and is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Quad as a counterbalance to China in the region. The two nations regularly conduct joint naval exercises, such as the "Malabar" exercises, to improve interoperability and readiness against potential Chinese threats.

UNICORN

India and Japan have recently strengthened their naval defense cooperation, focusing on key technology transfers and joint development projects. At the heart of these efforts is Japan’s decision to export the "UNICORN" stealth antenna system to India, marking a significant step in their defense relationship.

The UNICORN system, officially known as the Unified Complex Radio Antenna, integrates various communication and radar functions to enhance the stealth capabilities of naval vessels. This equipment, initially used on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates, will be installed on select Indian Navy ships.