New Delhi. India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific during the “2+2” ministerial dialogue that took place on August 20 in New Delhi. Led by India’s Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Kihara Minoru, the talks were held against the backdrop of increasing military assertiveness by China in the region.
Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar in his opening remarks, emphasised the deepening relationship between India and Japan, which has evolved into a “special strategic and global partnership” over the past decade. Highlighting the growing importance of reliable partnerships in an increasingly volatile world, he noted the convergence of interests between the two nations. “Our cooperation is set against a larger context of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” Jaishankar stated, linking the partnership to India’s broader Act East policy.
He said, “As we both step forward into a more volatile and unpredictable world, there is a need for reliable partners with whom there are substantial convergences. As a result, we have consciously sought to facilitate each other’s endeavours, comprehend each other’s objectives, strengthen each other’s positions and work with other nations of shared comfort.”
Underscoring the shared democratic values and commitment to the rule of law that form the foundation of the India-Japan partnership, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed these sentiments. He noted India’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, with a particular emphasis on building domestic defence capabilities.
“The India-Japan partnership in the defence sector will be an important aspect to realise our goal. Let us make a vision for this partnership. The India-Japan partnership in this sphere will be very important considering the current global situation. I think this partnership is crucial to ensure freedom, inclusivity and transparency in the Indo-Pacific,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
Ahead of the “2+2” dialogue, Jaishankar and Singh held separate bilateral talks with their Japanese counterparts. The “2+2” dialogue with Japan was initiated to further deepen bilateral security and defence cooperation and bring greater depth to the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries. India has the “2+2” ministerial format of dialogue with very few countries, including the United States, Australia and Russia.
Before the third edition of Indo-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Japan’s Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defence Minister Kihara Minoru who arrived in New Delhi on August 19, 2024 for the third Japan-India Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting, also known as the 2+2 Dialogue. The meeting, which lasted approximately 65 minutes, highlighted the deepening partnership between India and Japan, particularly in the fields of security, defence, and technology. The discussions set the tone for the 2+2 Dialogue, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and contributing to regional peace and stability.
Welcoming the 3rd Japan-India 2+2 Dialogue, Prime Minister Modi underlined the significance of bolstering security and defence cooperation with Japan, which he described as a crucial partner. He emphasised the potential for collaboration in areas such as technical cooperation, the defence industry, and semiconductors, expressing his desire to further solidify the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between the two nations.
Acknowledging the shared responsibility of Japan and India for ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the broader international community, Foreign Minister Kamikawa in response, expressed a strong interest in “co-creating” innovative solutions to global challenges, further strengthening the bilateral relationship. Kamikawa also highlighted the importance of the partnership, now in its 10th year, and emphasised the need to advance cooperation in security, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.
Defence Minister Kihara noted the steady progress in security cooperation between Japan and India as a testament to the shared recognition of its importance. He underscored the significance of continuing joint training and defence equipment cooperation, seeking Prime Minister Modi’s continued support in these areas.
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