Countries & Regions

On September 30 (September 29 local time), the inaugural U.S.-India-Japan Trilateral Ministerial dialogue was held in New York. The dialogue was attended by Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. John Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America, and Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister of India.

ince 2011, seven Japan-U.S.-India trilateral dialogues had been held at the director-general level, and this is the first foreign ministers’ meeting, which will further deepen the strategic partnership between the three countries. Close cooperation between the three countries is of extremely important significance to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the Trilateral Ministerial, an exchange of views was conducted regarding issues of common interest, namely maritime security, architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, and Japan-U.S.-India cooperation. After the meeting, a joint media note (PDF) was issued.

The three Ministers highlighted their shared support for peace, democracy, and a rules-based international order; and the growing convergence of their respective countries’ interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The three Ministers also underscored the importance of international law and peaceful settlement of disputes; freedom of navigation and overflight; and unimpeded lawful commerce, including in the South China Sea. The three countries further agreed to work together to maintain maritime security through greater collaboration.

The three countries discussed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) and regional connectivity as areas for cooperation among three countries, and agreed to convene experts-level groups on HA/DR and regional connectivity, in order to consider further cooperation. They also expressed interest in exploring cooperation on women’s skill enhancement and economic empowerment.

All three foreign ministers welcomed the inaugural Trilateral Ministerial and noted their interest in meeting again.