External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday emphasized the high priority India places on its relationship with Japan, underlining collaboration in key international forums such as the Quad, the United Nations, and the G20. His remarks came during the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
Jaishankar noted that over the past two decades, the bilateral relationship has evolved from primarily economic ties into a broad, comprehensive, and strategic partnership. He highlighted that both nations, as leading democracies and major global economies, have a shared responsibility to shape the international order, particularly amid current global uncertainties.
Reflecting on the historical context, Jaishankar recalled that a Japanese Prime Minister had laid the foundations for the Indo-Pacific as a political, economic, and strategic concept in an address to the Indian Parliament. Today, India’s Mahasagar initiative aligns closely with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, demonstrating strong convergence in regional strategy.
The dialogue also covered bilateral priorities, including strategic collaboration across West Asia, the Middle East, and energy sectors. Jaishankar welcomed Motegi’s broader regional engagements, noting his recent visits to the Philippines, Qatar, Israel, and Palestine as indicative of shared interests and cooperation.
Looking ahead, Jaishankar highlighted that India and Japan will commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027, underscoring a partnership that continues to expand on both strategic and global dimensions. The discussions during the strategic dialogue are aimed at further strengthening this trajectory, ensuring that both nations work closely toward shared goals in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
