(From L to R): Minoru Kihara, Yoko Kamikawa, Rajnath Singh, and S Jaishankar during their 2+2 ministerial talks. (Photo: X/@rajnathsingh)
New Delhi: In a move to further bolster their strategic partnership, India and Japan held the third round of the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. The high-level dialogue saw the participation of the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, and the foreign minister, S Jaishankar, alongside their Japanese counterparts, Minoru Kihara and Yoko Kamikawa respectively.
The meeting underscored the deepening of bilateral ties between the two nations, with a particular focus on defence cooperation and regional security. Both sides reiterated their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, a stance that has gained prominence amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 20, 2024
Delighted to co-host the 3rd edition of India Japan 2+2 dialogue, in India. This year is significant for both India and Japan, as we are celebrating 10 years of the establishment of our Special Global Strategic Partnership.
I thank Mr Kihara Minoru, Minister of Defense and Ms… pic.twitter.com/mKTVinwjUn
During the talks, the ministers reviewed the progress of ongoing defence collaborations and explored new avenues for cooperation. Singh highlighted the importance of the India-Japan partnership in achieving India’s vision of becoming a developed country by 2047. He emphasized that the collaboration in defence technology and industry would be pivotal in this endeavour.
The dialogue also addressed the evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations expressed concerns over China’s growing military presence and agreed on the necessity of maintaining a rules-based international order. The ministers discussed enhancing joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and maritime security cooperation to ensure stability in the region.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 20, 2024
Co-chaired the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 meeting along with Raksha Mantri @rajnathsingh ji today in Delhi.
Thank FM @Kamikawa_Yoko and Defense Minister @kihara_minoru for an extensive and productive discussion on our defense and security partnership.
As we complete a decade of the… pic.twitter.com/NI8UjPHSLI
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to further deepen defence ties. The ministers announced plans to conduct more frequent joint military exercises and enhance interoperability between their armed forces. This move is expected to bolster the strategic capabilities of both nations and contribute to regional peace and security.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to collaborate on advanced defence technologies, including unmanned systems and cyberdefence. This cooperation aims to leverage each country’s strengths and foster innovation in defence manufacturing and research.
Beyond defence, the ministers also explored opportunities for economic and technological collaboration. They discussed initiatives to enhance trade and investment flows, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, digital technology, and renewable energy. The dialogue highlighted the potential for joint ventures and partnerships that could drive economic growth and development in both countries.
The meeting also provided a platform for the ministers to exchange views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest. They discussed the situation in Afghanistan, North Korea’s nuclear programme, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together on global challenges, including climate change and counterterrorism.
