Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa arrived Monday to hold the third India-Japan '2+2' dialogue, which is likely to review situation in the Indo-Pacific region and explore ways to expand the bilateral strategic ties.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar will hold talks with his Japanese counterparts Kihara Minoru and Kamikawa on Tuesday.
"Strengthened India-Japan defense partnership is crucial for the pursuit of a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific amidst the prevailing global environment," said the Indian defense ministry.
The two sides are likely to deliberate on ways of further expanding the Indo-Pacific cooperation with regard to increasing military activities by China in the region.
Meanwhile, the Japanese foreign and defence ministers called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a tweet, Modi posted, "Delighted to meet Japanese Foreign Minister @KamikawaYoko and Defense Minister @kiharaminoru ahead of the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting. Took stock of the progress made in India-Japan defense and security ties."
He also reaffirmed the role of the India-Japan partnership in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The first edition of this dialogue was held in India during 2019, while the second was held in Japan during 2022.
Apart from the '2+2' dialogue, Singh and Jaishankar would also have separate bilateral talks with Defence Minister Minoru and Foreign Minister Kamikawa on Tuesday.
"During the bilateral talks and '2+2' meeting, the ministers will review the bilateral cooperation and explore new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements between the two countries," the defence ministry said in a statement.
The Ministers will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. "India and Japan share 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' based on shared values of democracy, freedom and rule of law," the ministry said.
The defence has emerged as one of the most important pillars in this relationship. "This visit will further deepen defence cooperation and bring greater depth to the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries," it said.
About the '2+2' dialogue, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Substantive discussions covering various spheres of India-Japan multifaceted partnership lie ahead."
The '2+2' dialogue with Japan was launched for further deepening of the bilateral security and defence cooperation and greater depth to the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries. India has '2+2' ministerial format of dialogue only with few countries, which includes the US, Australia and Russia.
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