India and Japan conduct a ‘2+2’ dialogue focusing on the Indo-Pacific region
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Tuesday that the India-Japan partnership is part of a broader effort to maintain a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that the relationship will continue to strengthen, especially as China intensifies its military activities in the region.
The latest “2+2” dialogue took place in Delhi, with the Japanese delegation led by Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Kihara Minoru. The Indian team was headed by Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Over the past ten years, our cooperation has evolved into a unique, worldwide strategic alliance. In his broadcast introductory remarks, Mr. Jaishankar stated, “Our growing activities and expanding interests are the logic of this evolution.
He said, “In a world that’s becoming more unpredictable, we need reliable partners with whom we share common goals.”
He continued, “Therefore, we have actively worked to support each other’s efforts, understand each other’s objectives, bolster each other’s positions, and collaborate with other like-minded nations.”
The Minister of External Affairs stated that “we embrace mutuality and display sensitivity” to ensure the growth of Japan-India strategic cooperation.
“The Indo-Pacific region is currently free, open, and governed by norms, which sets the bigger context for our collaboration. This is a logical extension of our Act East agenda for India,” he stated.
Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that the “2+2” conversation needs to pay special attention to the next steps.
He noted, “It has been two years since our last meeting in Tokyo, and many significant global developments have occurred. Our relationship must also adapt to these changes in our capabilities and perspectives.”
In his comments, Mr. Singh highlighted that the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership is rooted in democratic values and the rule of law.
He mentioned that India aims to become a developed country by 2047, with strengthening domestic defense capabilities being a key part of this vision.
“The India-Japan partnership in defense will be crucial for achieving this goal. Let’s work together to shape a vision for this partnership,” the Defence Minister added.
He exuded confidence and the impression that the talks would result in a stronger commitment to collaboration in the defence industry.
Given the state of the world today, the India-Japan relationship in this area will be crucial. Mr. Singh stated, “I believe that this partnership is essential to ensuring freedom, inclusivity, and transparency in the Indo-Pacific.”
Before the “2+2” dialogue, Mr. Singh and Mr. Jaishankar had separate bilateral discussions with their Japanese counterparts.
The “2+2” dialogue was started with Japan to strengthen the two nations’ unique strategic and international alliance as well as their bilateral security and defense cooperation.
India has the “2+2” ministerial format of dialogue with only a few countries, including the United States, Australia, and Russia.
