Japan-India Relations

　Minister Swaraj stated that she welcomed Minister Kono’s visit to India and was delighted to hold the 10th Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Delhi. Minister Swaraj also mentioned that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan in 2018 was a success with many achievements and that this meeting today is the start of Year 2019 to further develop India-Japan relations in various fields.

　In response, Minister Kono stated that he was pleased to visit India for the first time as the Foreign Minister and that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan in October last year showcased Japan-India special relations. He went on to say that for Japan, India is the most important partner to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and together with India, Japan would like to play a leading role in promoting peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

(1) Overview
　Minister Kono stated that Japan would host the G20 this year, and look forward to the visits by Prime Minister Modi and Minister Swaraj this year. Also, given that it is Prime Minister Abe’s turn to visit India this year for the next Summit Meeting, Minister Kono expressed his hope to coordinate and work with Minister Swaraj in order to make the year 2019 fruitful in deepening the bilateral relationship.
　Minister Swaraj responded that India would support Japan, Chair of the G20.

(2) Security and Defence
　Minister Kono stated that in order to further promote bilateral security and defence cooperation, Japan hopes for the earliest realization of a 2+2 Ministerial Meeting, which was confirmed during the last Summit Meeting, within this year and dialogues on space and cyber cooperation.
　In response, Minister Swaraj expressed her hope to soon hold a 2+2 Ministerial Meeting as well as dialogues on space and cyber cooperation. She also mentioned the early commencement of negotiations on ACSA, Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement.

(3) Economy
　Minister Kono welcomed the signing of Exchange of Notes last December concerning three Yen loan projects. Minister Swaraj expressed her expectation for further investment by Japanese companies in India.

(4) People to People exchange
　Minister Kono welcomed the establishment of the India-Japan Friendship Forum, which is represented by leading experts and business leaders in India, and looked forward to further promotion and deepening of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

(5) Connectivity
　Towards the realization of the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Minister Kono reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in third countries and India’s North Eastern region. The two ministers shared the view to continue to crystalize cooperation especially through Act East Forum.

　The two ministers exchanged their opinions on regional affairs including the North Korea issues as well as global challenges such as G20, UNSC, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).