♦ India and Japan held their inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Dialogue in Mumbai, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies and digital innovation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the dialogue was co-chaired by Amit A. Shukla, MEA Joint Secretary (Cyber Diplomacy) and Hanada Takahiro, Deputy Assistant Minister for Cyber Security at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

♦ During the discussions, both sides explored opportunities for collaboration across the entire AI ecosystem, focusing on co-creation, policy alignment, and the development of industry-oriented AI solutions. 

♦ The dialogue builds on the India–Japan AI Cooperation Initiative announced during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in August 2025. The initiative forms a core part of the broader India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade, which seeks to deepen ties in technology, innovation, and strategic sectors.