Japan-India Relations

Minister Kono stated that he is pleased to meet with Minister Jaishankar once again as the Minister of External Affairs and that he looks forward to working with Minister Jaishankar. Minister Jaishankar stated that Japan is playing a great role as the G20 chair and expressed his hope to further develop the Japan-India relationship together with Minister Kono. Minister Jaishankar made clear that it is meaningful to hold a meeting out of their busy schedule.

Minister Kono stated that an agreed “2+2” Ministerial Meeting is important in advancing security and defense cooperation between the two countries and demonstrating the roles that Japan and India can play for the peace and stability of the region. Minister Kono expressed his expectation to coordinate toward the early holding of the meeting. Minister Kono went on to state that it is important to work on the enhancement of connectivity in third countries and India’s North Eastern region, and that he would like to promote cooperation in the area of cyber and outer space for further deepening Japan-India relations.

Minister Jaishankar responded that he would like to realize a “2+2” Ministerial Meeting soon. Minister Jaishankar also stated that it is important to concretize cooperation on connectivity for the further development of the region and that India would like to reinforce cooperation with Japan.

Minister Kono welcomed the second Japan-India-U.S. Trilateral Summit Meeting held yesterday and expressed his hope to steadily follow up the discussions at the Summit about cyber security and quality infrastructure investment. Minister Kono also stated he looks forward to holding a Japan-India-U.S. Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. What’s more, he welcomed the progress of Japan-India-U.S.-Australia cooperation, expressing his hope to further deepen its cooperation.

Minister Jaishankar stated that there was a great discussion at the Japan-India-U.S. Trilateral Summit Meeting. Adding that India also attaches important to the framework among Japan, India and U.S., Minister Jaishankar stated that he would like to hold a Japan-India-U.S. Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Minister Kono expressed his expectation to conclude the RCEP negotiations among 16 countries including India within this year and strongly asked for India’s cooperation. Minister Kono stated that Japan attaches importance to maintaining and strengthening the NPT regime, and promoting the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty while continuing dialogue.

The two Ministers shared the view to continue cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also held extensive discussion on regional affairs including Iran and South Asia.