External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, paid a visit to Japan in March 2024. During his visit, he engaged in meetings and interactions with several top leaders to explore avenues for enhancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan. The visit aimed to qualitatively transform the partnership and strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar attended the 16th Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue hosted by Ms Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on March 7.
Kamikawa noted that the year 2024 marks ten years since the establishment of the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership. She stated that, as the world is at a turning point in history, Japan desires to further work with India toward the realisation of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law and co-create solutions for the issues facing the international community. In response, Jaishankar expressed his intention to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Bilateral Relations
Both Ministers concurred to continue to hold frequent high-level dialogues between the leaders and foreign ministers, as this has served as the backbone for Japan-India relations.
In light of the severe security environment in recent years, the two Ministers welcomed the holding of joint security training exercises by all of their military services and confirmed to actively promote cooperation in the area of defense equipment and technology. In addition, expanding the possibilities for cooperation in space, cyber, and other new domains were concurred.
Economic Cooperation
Kamikawa updated Jaishankar on the exchange of notes for nine ODA loans that were signed last month, including for a project to develop the North Eastern region of India. And was requested to improve the business environment in India toward the realization of the 5 trillion-yen target of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India.
Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the development cooperation Japan has provided. The two Ministers confirmed to advance the construction project of the high-speed rail and the development of the North-eastern region of India. Additionally, the two Ministers agreed to establish a new forum for discussing bilateral development cooperation in third countries between Japan and India to ensure that their joint support for the development of third countries draws on their respective strengths.
Initiatives for people-to-people exchanges were discussed to be enhanced and concurred to extend the “Japan-India tourism exchange year” being implemented in FY2023 to the next fiscal year.
Regional Affairs and Cooperation in the International Arena
Both Ministers held a candid exchange of views on regional affairs and concurred to work closely together, including the response to North Korea on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. They also exchanged views on various issues facing the international community, including United Nations (UN) Security Council reform and cooperation with the “Global South”, and confirmed to work together to advance global governance reform, including UN reform, and address global issues.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s interaction with Japanese PM Kishida
S Jaishankar called on Japanese PM Kishida while concluding his visit to Tokyo. Apprised him of the progress made in Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue.
PM Kishida emphasised the steady progress of the Japan-India relationship. He acknowledged that in today’s world, which is facing a challenging and complex environment, the partnership between Japan and India holds immense importance in guiding the international community towards cooperation. He also
expressed the desire to deepen cooperation between the two countries to achieve a vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” This vision entails upholding the principles of the “rule of law” and “human dignity,” which are key foundations for stability, prosperity, and peace in the region.
In response, Minister S Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. He emphasized his intention to strengthen cooperation with Japan both bilaterally and within the international community.
This highlights the commitment of India to deepen its partnership with Japan, recognising the importance of collaboration between the two nations in various domains and on global issues.
