PM Modi Meets Japanese Ministers To Strengthen Bilateral Defense & Security

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara, focusing on the strengthening of bilateral defense and security relations.

The meeting, which took place ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting, underscored the crucial role of the India-Japan partnership in fostering peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

PM Modi Highlights Progress In India-Japan Defense Ties Ahead Of 2+2 Meeting

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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 partnership plays in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

The Japanese delegation, arriving in New Delhi on Monday afternoon, is likely to attend the 2+2 Ministerial Meeting at Hyderabad House on Tuesday evening.

This visit marks Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s first official trip to India since assuming her role.

Prior to the 2+2 talks, Kamikawa and Kihara will engage with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Kamikawa however emphasized India’s strategic importance, highlighting that its central location in the Indian Ocean sea lanes between Asia and Africa makes it a crucial partner in achieving a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). She noted that their discussions would focus on upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law and enhancing security and defense cooperation.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the agenda for the visit, which includes bolstering bilateral economic and development cooperation, advancing people-to-people exchanges, and reinforcing collaborative efforts on the global stage.

Last month, during a visit to Tokyo for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Jaishankar noted the evolving nature of India-Japan relations.

He emphasized the need for a contemporary partnership to address new challenges and leverage emerging technologies.

During that visit, Jaishankar and Kamikawa discussed deepening cooperative relations and co-developing innovative solutions through strategic dialogue.

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