MARCH 10 – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his three-day visit to Japan, during which he engaged in meetings and interactions with several top leaders to explore avenues for enhancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, stated the Ministry of External Affairs in a press release.
During his visit, the EAM called on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s greetings. He also briefed Prime Minister Kishida on recent developments in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, seeking his guidance to further fortify the relationship.
Jaishankar conducted the 16th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on March 7. The two leaders assessed the broad spectrum of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, encompassing political exchanges, trade, investment, infrastructure, and technology collaboration, developmental coordination, defence and security cooperation, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The ministers resolved to make the relationship responsive to contemporary demands and foster better understanding between the two peoples. Their discussions encompassed various areas of cooperation, including building respective semiconductor ecosystems, green technologies, defence equipment and technology, digital payments, mobility arrangements, and promotion of the Japanese language in India. Additionally, they delved into regional issues of mutual interest in the Indo-Pacific and major global developments.
Jaishankar also engaged with senior political leaders, including Taro Aso, Vice President of LDP; Toshimitsu Motegi, Secretary-General of LDP; and Yoshihide Suga, Chairman of Japan India Association, during which strong sentiments of support for bilateral partnerships were expressed.
During his visit, Jaishankar met Akie Abe and conveyed a letter from Prime Minister Modi, extending his condolences over the demise of Madam Yoko Abe, the mother of late Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. Additionally, he interacted with a wide cross-section of public and opinion makers in Japan.
Participating in the inaugural Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo, Jaishankar delivered remarks on India-Japan bilateral relations within the context of evolving global trends. He also addressed the Nikkei Forum on India-Japan partnership, elucidating on the historical and current trajectories in the relationship and exploring new possibilities.
The MEA emphasized that Jaishankar’s visit to Japan provided a timely opportunity to evaluate ongoing bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for enhancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries, especially as it enters its 10th year.
