Blitz Bureau
INDIA and Japan explored new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements between the two countries during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi on August 20.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Minister of Defence Kihara Minoru and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Yoko Kamikawa took part in the meeting.
The Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They highlighted the common strategic vision of both countries towards a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, peaceful, prosperous and resilient, as part of the rulesbased international order.
“As two democratic countries that share common values, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and strengthening rules-based international order founded on the principles of the UN Charter,” said the Joint Statement issued after the conclusion of the third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ meeting.Singh said the Indo-Japan partnership is important for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
In the press statements after the meeting, Singh said both sides have achieved substantial progress since the last meeting in Tokyo in September 2022. He said in many cases the results have exceeded expectations. This has been possible only because of the excellent coordination between the Defence Ministries of the two countries. EAM Jaishankar, in a press statement, said extensive and productive views were shared in in the meeting on defence and security. He said there is further complexity and volatility in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. He said, today’s 2+2 dialogue was an occasion to share assessment and agree on cooperation in this regard.
Jaishankar announced that India will open a consulate in Fukuoka to nurture people– to people ties between the two countries. India and Japan are resolute in their opposition to terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, he added.
“In the last decade, our relationship has assumed the form of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The logic of this evolution is our expanding interests and growing activities. As we both step forward into a more volatile and unpredictable world, there is a need for reliable partners with whom there are substantial convergences. “As a result, we have consciously sought to facilitate each other’s endeavours, comprehend each other’s objectives, strengthen each other’s positions and work with other nations of shared comfort. Our Strategic Partnership will continue to grow as we embrace mutuality and display sensitivity,” the EAM said
