Japan and India have agreed to create an Economic Security Cooperation Initiative that will coordinate the procurement and development of critical inputs such as semiconductors, mineral resources and artificial-intelligence technologies, Nikkei reported. The framework is designed to strengthen supply chains and lessen the two countries’ reliance on China for strategically important materials. Under the accord, the two governments will draw up a 10-year action plan that encourages joint projects among private-sector firms in both nations. The partnership is expected to be formally endorsed when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on 29 August.