India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, paid a visit to Japan on 07-09 March 2024.
EAM called on H. E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, and conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s greetings to him.
EAM also briefed PM Kishida about recent developments in India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and sought his guidance to further strengthen the relationship.
Noteworthy, on 07 March, EAM held the 16th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Ms. Yoko Kamikawa, reviewing the broad canvas of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, including political exchanges; trade, investment, infrastructure and technology collaboration; developmental coordination; defence and security cooperation; as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The two Ministers agreed to make the relationship responsive to contemporary demands and foster better understanding between our two peoples.
Their discussion touched, inter alia, cooperation for building respective semiconductor ecosystems, green technologies, defence equipment and technology, digital payments, mobility arrangements, promotion of Japanese language in India, etc.
Further, the dialogue also covered regional issues of mutual interest in the Indo-Pacific and major global developments.
EAM also met with senior political leaders, including Mr. Taro Aso, Vice President of LDP; Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi, Secretary General of LDP; and Mr. Yoshihide Suga, Chairman of Japan India Association. Strong sentiment of support for bilateral partnership was in clear evidence in these meetings.
During the visit, EAM also met Mrs. Akie Abe and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Modi conveying his condolence over the demise of Madam Yoko Abe, mother of late Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe.
Utilizing his visit, EAM interacted with a wide cross-section of public and opinion makers in Japan.
He attended the inaugural Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo, and delivered remarks on India-Japan bilateral relations in the overall context of the evolving global trends.
EAM also addressed the Nikkei Forum on India-Japan partnership, outlining the historical and current trajectories in the relationship and reflecting on the new possibilities.
EAM’s visit to Japan provided a timely opportunity to take stock of the ongoing bilateral cooperation and explore ways to qualitatively transform the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries, in its 10th year.
