Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara recently convened with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for the third round of the India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial meeting. This significant dialogue underscored the strengthening ties between the two nations amid a challenging global environment, as detailed in a press release from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
Prime Minister Modi extended a warm reception to the Japanese ministers and emphasized the importance of the 2+2 meeting in enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Japan. Discussions focused on potential areas for deeper cooperation, such as critical minerals, semiconductors, and defense manufacturing.
The leaders assessed the progress of various bilateral projects, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail initiative, and exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest.
Modi emphasized the crucial role of the India-Japan partnership in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. He also called for increased economic collaboration and stronger cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa reiterated the importance of the longstanding Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership, emphasising that bolstering security cooperation remains a core component of this alliance. She also expressed a desire to further economic development and enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Defence Minister Kihara acknowledged the ongoing progress in bilateral security cooperation and sought continued support from Prime Minister Modi. Both sides agreed on the need to expand collaboration in technical fields, including the defense sector and semiconductor industry. This meeting reinforced their shared commitment to a robust and mutually beneficial partnership, paving the way for future cooperation on both regional and global challenges.
