Strengthening India-Japan Ties: A Focus on Defence and Economic Security
Enhancing Bilateral Relations
New Delhi, March 6: On Friday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in discussions with Sadamasa Oue, the Special Advisor to Japan's Prime Minister, focusing on bolstering defence technology and economic security.
According to a post by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting was productive, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the defence technology and economic security aspects of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Since 2000, India-Japan relations have evolved significantly, achieving the status of ‘Global Partnership’ in 2000, ‘Strategic and Global Partnership’ in 2006, and ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ in 2014, as noted by the MEA. The defence and security collaboration is a crucial component of the bilateral relationship, which has strengthened in recent years due to shared strategic interests and a mutual commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.
On February 24, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for his congratulatory message regarding his reappointment, indicating a desire to further enhance bilateral relations and promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
Motegi's statement, shared on social media, highlighted his eagerness to collaborate with Jaishankar to strengthen ties between the two nations.
In response, Jaishankar congratulated Motegi on his reappointment, expressing anticipation for advancing their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Earlier, on February 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election victory in Japan's House of Representatives, expressing confidence in their ability to elevate India-Japan relations.
In her reply, Takaichi thanked Modi and reiterated her commitment to enhancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership and working towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.