Recalling the joint statement from July, the Ministers expressed a commitment to deepening defence cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific. They agreed to improve coordination for protecting Sea Lines of Communications through mutual naval visits, joint exercises, and logistics support. The Ministers recognized the ongoing expansion of bilateral exercises, including the Japan-India Army exercise Dharma Guardian and the Japan-India Maritime Exercise JAIMEX. They also noted progress for the upcoming Japan-India Air Force exercise Veer Guardian 26, set for later this year.