EAM S Jaishankar, Japan FM Hold Telephonic Talks On Hormuz, West Asia

On Friday, S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, held a phone conversation with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, focusing on the evolving situation in West Asia and the status of maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

After the discussion, taking to X, Jaishankar posted, “Good to speak with FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan. Discussed developments in West Asia, including international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Appreciate his condolences for the Indian lives lost in the conflict.”

The exchange between the two leaders comes shortly after a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into effect on Wednesday.

Negotiations aimed at easing tensions are expected to begin later this week.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy route, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. A large portion of the world’s seaborne oil passes through this narrow channel, making any disruption a matter of global concern, particularly for countries dependent on energy imports.

In a recent in-person interaction, S Jaishankar met Toshimitsu Motegi during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France.

“Always nice to meet my friend FM Toshimitsu Motegi, this time on the sidelines of G7 FMM,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Separately, on 6 March, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sadamasa Oue to discuss cooperation in defence technology and economic security.

According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the meeting involved a detailed exchange on strengthening key pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Earlier in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi following her victory in the House of Representatives election.

In his message, PM Modi emphasised the importance of the bilateral partnership in promoting global peace, stability and prosperity, and expressed confidence in further strengthening ties under her leadership.