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On August 18, 2024, India and Japan held their "2+2" ministerial dialogue in Delhi, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership. This high-level meeting involved India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Kihara Minoru. The primary focus was to enhance their cooperation and address key issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights
- Indo-Pacific Cooperation:
Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. They underscored the importance of ASEAN’s unity and centrality within this framework, highlighting their shared vision for regional stability and cooperation.
- Security and Defense:
The dialogue stressed the necessity for strengthened security collaboration. This includes conducting joint military exercises and sharing advancements in defense technology. The ministers also discussed maritime security, cyber security, and space cooperation, aiming to enhance their collective defense capabilities.
- Regional and Global Issues:
A significant portion of the discussions was devoted to the geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly addressing China's growing military assertiveness. The ministers also reviewed the global implications of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, reflecting on its impact on international stability.
Strategic Importance
The dialogue is part of a broader effort by India and Japan to balance China's influence in the region. Both countries are committed to ensuring a stable and secure Indo-Pacific, which is crucial for their strategic and economic interests. This enhanced partnership aims to support a rules-based order and foster regional stability.
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Future Prospects
The "2+2" dialogue is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration across several domains, including defense technology, maritime security, and regional stability. This dialogue format, used by India with only a few countries including the United States, Australia, and Russia, highlights its strategic significance and the growing depth of the India-Japan partnership.
Statements from Leaders
In his opening remarks, Minister Jaishankar highlighted the evolving relationship between India and Japan, describing it as a "special strategic and global partnership" that has developed over the past decade. He emphasized the importance of reliable partnerships in a volatile global environment, noting that India and Japan’s interests are increasingly aligned. Jaishankar linked their collaboration to India's broader Act East policy, underscoring their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the shared democratic values and dedication to the rule of law that underpin the partnership. He highlighted India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and the role of the India-Japan defense collaboration in achieving this ambition. Singh stressed that this partnership is crucial for ensuring freedom, inclusivity, and transparency in the Indo-Pacific region.
Bilateral Talks
Prior to the "2+2" dialogue, Jaishankar and Singh held separate bilateral meetings with their Japanese counterparts to lay the groundwork for the discussions. This preparatory engagement further deepened the strategic and defense cooperation between the two countries.
In conclusion, the India-Japan "2+2" dialogue marks a significant milestone in their strategic partnership. By focusing on enhanced security cooperation and regional stability, both countries are reinforcing their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while addressing global and regional challenges.
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