In his address at the inaugural Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance for Japan to acknowledge India’s significant transformation and the rapid pace of change within the country. He highlighted India’s remarkable progress, citing statistics such as the construction of highways, airports, and educational institutions. Jaishankar asserted that these developments have made India a more reliable and impactful partner on the global stage.
Jaishankar stressed that India’s evolution extends to various sectors including business, infrastructure, technology, and innovation, making it imperative for Japan to recognize India’s current status. He emphasized India’s inclination towards collaborating with like-minded partners for specific goals and initiatives, underscoring the need for Japan to align with India’s changing dynamics.
Regarding global governance, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of reforming institutions like the United Nations to reflect contemporary realities. He emphasized the shared responsibility of India and Japan in promoting a balanced, transparent, and rules-based international order, particularly in the context of Asia’s multipolarity.
Acknowledging the growing volatility and uncertainty in the world, Jaishankar highlighted the need for India and Japan to confront these challenges both at the national and bilateral levels. He emphasized the significance of Japanese cooperation in developmental assistance, particularly in regions across the Global South where India is actively engaged.
The Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo served as a platform for discussions on how India and Japan, as strategic partners, can address global challenges collaboratively. Jaishankar’s visit to Japan, including the India-Japan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue, underscores the deepening ties between the two nations across various domains, including defense, technology, energy, and connectivity initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.