India, Japan Reaffirm Strategic Partnership During Motegi–PM Modi Talks

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and reaffirmed the growing India-Japan strategic partnership.

The two leaders described their countries as ‘natural partners’ bound by shared democratic values and converging strategic interests.

The meeting lasted around 50 minutes and underscored the importance both sides attach to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Motegi said Japan seeks closer coordination with India to advance regional stability and rules-based order.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the visit and expressed confidence in expanding cooperation under the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Both leaders agreed to energise bilateral engagements in 2027, when India and Japan will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

They reviewed progress under the Japan–India Joint Vision for the Next Decade. The initiative was announced during PM Modi’s visit to Japan last year.

Discussions covered security, economic security, investment, innovation, artificial intelligence, and people-to-people ties.

Motegi also co-chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The dialogue focused on economic cooperation, maritime security, resilient supply chains, critical minerals, advanced technology, multilateral coordination, and regional developments.

Jaishankar said the partnership continues on an upward trajectory and holds significant potential to shape the global order and reduce economic risks.

He noted that talks reflected strong mutual understanding and aligned regional perspectives, particularly on the Indo-Pacific.

Earlier, Jaishankar welcomed Motegi warmly and highlighted their shared interest in cricket, calling it a symbol of growing cultural warmth.

Jaishankar said India gives top priority to cooperation with Japan in the Quad, the United Nations, the G4, and the G20.

He recalled Japan’s early role in articulating the Indo-Pacific vision and said India’s Mahasagar outlook closely aligns with Tokyo’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy.

Jaishankar emphasised that India and Japan, as leading democracies and major economies, hold a unique opportunity to shape the evolving global order.

He stressed that both nations also carry a shared responsibility to guide it constructively.

Both sides agreed that closer coordination remains essential amid global uncertainty. They reaffirmed their commitment to elevate the partnership to new heights in the years ahead.