The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) successfully wrapped up the sixth edition of their Air Staff Talks in Tokyo, held from June 3 to 5, 2025. This three-day event signifies a pivotal step in the defense partnership between the two nations, aiming to bolster military cooperation through joint training, personnel exchanges, and professional military education.
Co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal Rahul Bhasin of the IAF and Major General Kubota Takahiro of the JASDF, the discussions highlighted the growing synergy and shared strategic vision between the two air forces, focusing on maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The talks provided a platform for both sides to explore new avenues for deeper interoperability, capitalizing on the progress made during previous engagements, including the inaugural Joint Services Staff Talks in 2023.
A key highlight of the visit was a meeting between the IAF delegation and India’s Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Sibi George, at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. This interaction reinforced the diplomatic underpinnings that support defense ties and aligned with India’s broader foreign policy goal of strengthening relations with key partners in the Indo-Pacific. Ambassador George has been instrumental in enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, particularly in defense and strategic affairs.
The Air Staff Talks are part of a broader framework of defense collaboration between India and Japan that has intensified in recent years. The relationship has been further cultivated through high-level visits, including JASDF Chief General Izutsu Shunji’s visit to India in 2020. This relationship is continuously supported by ongoing dialogues like the Deputy National Security Advisor Strategic Dialogue. As regional tensions rise, both countries have placed significant emphasis on defense engagement to confront mutual concerns such as maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
Photos from the meetings depict a cordial atmosphere, with Air Vice Marshal Bhasin and Major General Kubota exchanging mementos as a gesture of goodwill. Group photographs with both nations’ flags illustrated the deepening defense ties between India and Japan. The formal discussions provided both delegations with the opportunity to engage in thorough dialogue aimed at identifying potential areas for future collaboration.
This sixth iteration of the Air Staff Talks reaffirmed the commitment of India and Japan to uphold a rules-based international order and demonstrated their determination to enhance military collaboration in response to emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The two nations are expected to build upon these strategic discussions, setting the stage for more robust joint defense initiatives moving forward.
