Press Releases
16th Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue and Working Dinner
March 7, 2024
On March 7, commencing at 6:30 p.m., Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held the 16th Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue (for approximately 90 minutes) and a working dinner (for approximately 60 minutes) with H.E. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, during his visit to Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa welcomed Minister Jaishankar’s visit to Japan, and expressed her appreciation for the cordial messages of sympathy from Prime Minister Modi following the damage of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Minister Kamikawa noted that this year marks ten years since the establishment of the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership. She stated that, as the world is at a turning point in history, Japan desires to further work with India toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” based on the rule of law and co-create solutions for the issues facing the international community. In response, Minister Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Japan for hosting him as well as his intention to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
- Bilateral Relations
- Minister Kamikawa stated that frequent high-level contacts, including between the leaders and foreign ministers, has served as the backbone for Japan-India relations. The two Ministers concurred to continue to hold such dialogues frequently.
- In light of the severe security environment in recent years, the two Ministers welcomed the holding of joint security training exercises by all of their military services and confirmed to actively promote cooperation in the area of defense equipment and technology. In addition, the two Ministers concurred to expand the possibilities for cooperation in space, cyber, and other new domains.
- In the area of economy, Minister Kamikawa requested Minister Jaishankar to improve the business environment in India toward the realization of the 5-trillion-yen target of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India. Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa explained that exchanges of notes (E/N) for nine ODA loans were signed last month, including for a project to develop the North-eastern region of India. In response, Minister Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the development cooperation Japan has provided. The two Ministers confirmed to advance the construction project of the high-speed rail (V) and the development of the North-eastern region of India. Additionally, the two Ministers agreed to establish a new forum for discussing bilateral development cooperation in third countries between Japan and India to ensure that their joint support for the development of third countries draws on their respective strengths.
- The two Ministers confirmed to further enhance initiatives for people-to-people exchanges. Specifically, they concurred to extend the “Japan-India tourism exchange year” being implemented in FY2023 to the next fiscal year.
- Regional Affairs and Cooperation in the International Arena
- The two Ministers held a candid exchange of views on regional affairs, including the situations in East Asia, South Asia, and Ukraine, and concurred to work closely together, including on the response to North Korea on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on various issues facing the international community, including United Nations (UN) Security Council reform and cooperation with the “Global South”, and confirmed to work together to advance global governance reform, including UN reform, and address global issues.
- At the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, Minister Kamikawa presented a Wajima-nuri lacquerware pen to Minister Jaishankar as a token of hope for the recovery of the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. In addition, at the working dinner, along with dishes made with ingredients from the Hokuriku region, both Ministers’ favorite Kimpira Gobo (marinated burdock), were served, and Minister Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the heartfelt hospitality.