Common security interests in the region have led to Japan’s unprecedented sharing of its Mogami-class warships with India, according to analysts.

The move dovetails with New Delhi’s drive to localise industrial and defence production. Enhanced naval capabilities will also allow India to become a “security provider” in the Indian Ocean.

Japan offered India its Mogami design plans and the option to build the frigates in Indian shipyards using Japanese materials, according to recent reports from local media and defence news outlets. The warships, each costing about US$500 million, will be equipped with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles and torpedoes.

It is the first time Japan has offered such a major weapons system to India, signifying a shift towards deeper defence industrial cooperation.

Such ties between the two countries are increasing, particularly after Tokyo loosened the reins this month. On April 21, the Japanese cabinet revised the rules restricting exports of defence equipment and technology.