Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara arrived in New Delhi on Monday, setting the stage for a crucial round of 2+2 Ministerial talks with their Indian counterparts.
The high-level meeting, scheduled for Tuesday evening at Hyderabad House, marks the third installment of the India-Japan 2+2 dialogue, a key forum for deepening bilateral ties in both foreign and defense sectors.
The Japanese ministers kicked off their visit by paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @Kamikawa_Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_minoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in India-Japan defense and security ties. Reaffirmed the role India-Japan… pic.twitter.com/QE4euOoy0d
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2024
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of the 2+2 dialogue, particularly in the face of an increasingly complex regional and global landscape.
He highlighted the deepening partnership between India and Japan, pointing to shared interests in areas such as critical minerals, semiconductor technology, and defense manufacturing.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the value of close cooperation between trusted friends like India and Japan, suggesting that their collaboration is essential for navigating the challenges of today’s world.
‘We Must Co-Create Innovative Solutions’, Says Japan’s Foreign Minister
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Prime Minister also shared his vision for further strengthening the India-Japan partnership in these critical sectors.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa, on her first visit to India since assuming her post, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, noting the significant responsibility that both Japan and India bear for ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
She expressed a desire to co-create innovative solutions to the myriad challenges facing the international community, signaling Japan’s commitment to a collaborative approach.
In a similar vein, Defence Minister Kihara highlighted the steady progress in security cooperation between the two nations.
He emphasized that the deepening of defense ties is a testament to the mutual recognition of the importance of such collaboration.
Kihara also sought Prime Minister Modi’s continued support in advancing this strategic partnership, as per a statement from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ahead of the formal 2+2 talks, Foreign Minister Kamikawa is likely to hold separate discussions with EAM Jaishankar.
These discussions are expected to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to expanding cooperation across various domains, including economic development, people-to-people exchanges, and broader international issues.
Last month, during his visit to Tokyo for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, EAM Jaishankar underscored the evolving nature of India-Japan relations.
He called for a contemporary partnership that reflects the new realities of today’s world characterized by emerging technologies, fresh challenges, and increasing pressures on the global stage.
His earlier discussions with Kamikawa also highlighted Tokyo’s view of New Delhi as a pivotal partner in addressing global issues through dialogue and innovation.
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