The India-Japan “2+2” ministerial dialogue took place on Tuesday in Delhi, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The talks, which come against the backdrop of increasing military assertiveness by China in the region, were led by India’s Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Kihara Minoru.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar emphasized the deepening relationship between India and Japan, which has evolved into a “special strategic and global partnership” over the past decade. He highlighted the growing importance of reliable partnerships in an increasingly volatile world and noted the convergence of interests between the two nations. “Our cooperation is set against a larger context of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” Jaishankar stated, linking the partnership to India’s broader Act East policy.
“As we both step forward into a more volatile and unpredictable world, there is a need for reliable partners with whom there are substantial convergences,” he said. “As a result, we have consciously sought to facilitate each other’s endeavours, comprehend each other’s objectives, strengthen each other’s positions and work with other nations of shared comfort,” Jaishankar added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed these sentiments, underscoring the shared democratic values and commitment to the rule of law that form the foundation of the India-Japan partnership. He noted India’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, with a particular emphasis on building domestic defence capabilities. “The India-Japan partnership in the defence sector will be an important aspect to realise our goal. Let us make a vision for this partnership. The India-Japan partnership in this sphere will be very important considering the current global situation. I think this partnership is crucial to ensure freedom, inclusivity and transparency in the Indo-Pacific,” Singh said.
Jaishankar and Singh held separate bilateral talks with their Japanese counterparts ahead of the “2+2” dialogue.
The “2+2” dialogue with Japan was initiated to further deepen bilateral security and defence cooperation and bring greater depth to the special strategic and global partnership between the two countries.
India has the “2+2” ministerial format of dialogue with very few countries, including the United States, Australia and Russia.
(With inputs from PTI)