On January 19, 2023, Nagma Mallick, India’s Ambassador-designate to Japan, engaged in a pivotal meeting with Japan’s Minister of Economic Security, Onoda Kimi, in Tokyo. The dialogue centered on enhancing various dimensions of the India-Japan partnership, notably focusing on economic security, artificial intelligence (AI), and cultural connections. This meeting is reflective of the increasing collaboration between the two nations in these key areas.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, co-chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. This important meeting highlighted a broad range of topics, including economic cooperation, maritime security, supply chain resilience, critical minerals, technology, and multilateral collaboration. In a statement made on social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the trajectory of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, indicating a shared commitment to shaping the global landscape and enhancing economic resilience.
Minister Motegi underscored the notion that India and Japan are “natural partners” aligned in their fundamental values and strategic interests during a courtesy call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, lasting about 50 minutes, involved discussions on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation. Modi expressed a desire to deepen ties within the framework of the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in various sectors.
Both sides have committed to celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027 by invigorating bilateral exchanges, showcasing their dedication to strengthening the relationship. They referred back to the “Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade,” which was announced during Modi’s visit to Japan the previous year, to guide their discussions on multiple fronts including security, economic stability, investment, innovation in AI, and fostering people-to-people exchanges.
This ongoing dialogue and engagement between India and Japan illustrates a robust bilateral relationship that seeks to navigate current global challenges collaboratively while pursuing mutual benefits in strategic and economic fields. Such efforts aim to solidify their positions in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, indicating a proactive approach to fostering international alignment and resilience.
