The recent visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Japan served as a crucial moment to evaluate the progress of current bilateral cooperation and to investigate avenues for elevating the special strategic relationship to a new level of significance, according to an official announcement made on Saturday.
Jaishankar's three-day trip to Japan included a meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during which he extended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regards. Furthermore, he updated Kishida on the latest advancements in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and sought his advice on enhancing this bilateral bond.
On March 7, Jaishankar engaged in the 16th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa.
They examined the extensive scope of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The dialogue encompassed discussions on political engagements; collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure, and technology; developmental cooperation; defence and security ties; and cultural as well as people-to-people connections.
Both ministers concurred on the need to adapt the partnership to meet modern requirements and to deepen mutual understanding between their peoples. Key topics of discussion included collaboration on developing semiconductor ecosystems, green technologies, defence equipment and technology, digital payment systems, mobility arrangements, and promoting the Japanese language in India.
The dialogue also addressed regional concerns of shared interest in the Indo-Pacific and significant global occurrences.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted, "EAM's trip to Japan offered a timely juncture to assess the ongoing bilateral cooperation and identify strategies to significantly enhance the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations, now in its tenth year."
In addition, Jaishankar met with prominent Japanese political figures, including Taro Aso, the Vice President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party; Toshimitsu Motegi, the party's Secretary General; and Yoshihide Suga, the Chairman of the Japan India Association. These meetings underscored the strong support for the bilateral partnership.
During his visit, Jaishankar also met with Akie Abe, the widow of Japan's late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to deliver a condolence letter from Prime Minister Modi concerning the passing of Madam Yoko Abe, Shinzo Abe's mother.
Jaishankar took the opportunity to engage with a broad spectrum of Japanese society and opinion leaders. He participated in the inaugural Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo, sharing insights on India-Japan bilateral relations within the context of changing global dynamics. Additionally, he spoke at the Nikkei Forum about the India-Japan partnership, discussing its historical evolution, current state, and potential future directions.
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