There has been growing tension in the region because of increased military drills by the US and China as well as North Korea’s nuclear missile programme.
China has also expanded its economic ambitions, most notably the New Silk Road project – which is an incentive developed by China aimed at expanding trade links between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
In response, Japan and India are launching a working group on cooperation between nuclear companies as well sharing research on developments of technology.
Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kentaro Sonoura said: “You should expect to see increased bilateral cooperation between us to develop unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) and robotics.
“Japan’s intention is to start this quickly, possibly by the end of this month.
“We need to share the importance of (the) rule of law and freedom of navigation among related countries. The next step is infrastructure development based on global standards so that connectivity among countries is increased.”
Work has already begun behind the scenes and in addition to international cooperation, India will launch the second phase of its “Make in India” campaign next month with a focus on robotics, AI, genomics, and energy storage.
An unnamed source from India’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAIR) said: “The aim is to equip our armed forces with systems that are self-reliant, adaptable and fault-tolerant.”
China and India have been at loggerheads in recent months in territorial disputes over a section of the Himalaya mountains.
India says the area belongs to its ally Bhutan but China has staged live-fire drills there.
Chinese and Indian troops brawled at Pangong Lake in the Himalayas in the summer of 2017.
Video captured the two sides threatening each other and some throwing stones.
The video was not verified, but officials confirmed the incident.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said: “I can confirm that there was an incident at Pangong Tso on August 15.
“This was subsequently discussed by the local army commanders of the two sides.
“Such incidents are not in the interest of either side. We should maintain peace and tranquillity.”
The disputed area is a narrow 135km-long stretch of water is divided by the 4,000km Line of Actual Control.
After a two-month standoff, both countries agreed to “expeditious disengagement” of troops.