New Delhi: India and Japan underlined the strength of their comprehensive strategic partnership during the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi on Friday. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that the relationship has evolved from primarily economic cooperation to a broad-based partnership covering security, technology, and global governance.
Japan was represented by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at the dialogue.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar highlighted India’s priority in working with Japan in international forums, including the Quad, the UN, G4 membership, and the G20. He noted that both countries, as leading democracies and major economies, have a duty to shape the global order, particularly in the current uncertain international environment.
Economic security and resilience were central to the dialogue, with discussions set to focus on supply chain security, critical minerals, energy, health, and maritime security. The minister also highlighted the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, noting the continuous upward trajectory of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Reflecting on Indo-Pacific cooperation, he said India’s MAHASAGAR vision aligns closely with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific outlook. The minister also pointed to shared interests in the Middle East and West Asia, referencing the Japanese minister’s recent visits to Qatar, Israel, and Palestine.
On a lighter note, he remarked on the Japanese minister’s passion for cricket, noting his own interest in joining a match in Japan one day, according to the External Affairs Ministry.
The dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral cooperation across economic, strategic, and global issues, signaling continued close coordination in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
