India-Japan reaffirm commitment towards bilateral security, defence cooperation

Ahead of their first in-person Quad Summit that will be hosted by US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. During their meet, they reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. They also reviewed the multi-faceted bilateral relationship and exchanged views on recent global developments, including in Afghanistan.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral security and defence cooperation, including in the area of defence equipment and technologies.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Suga for his personal commitment and leadership.

“The two Prime Ministers reviewed the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries and exchanged views on recent global and regional developments, including in Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” the MEA said in a statement.

Both world leaders welcomed the increasing economic engagement between the two countries.

In a tweet, PM Modi said that Japan is one of India’s most valued partners.

“I had an excellent meeting with PM @sugawitter on a variety of subjects that would further boost cooperation between our nations. A strong India-Japan friendship augurs well for the entire planet,” Modi tweeted.

“Furthering friendship with Japan,” the MEA said in a tweet after the meeting.

“Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @sugawitter had a fruitful meeting in Washington DC. Both leaders held discussions on several issues including ways to give further impetus to trade and cultural ties,” it said.

“Discussed a range of issues: Indo-Pacific, regional developments, supply chain resilience, trade, digital economy & P2P ties,” the MEA said in another tweet.

They welcomed the launch of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) between India, Japan and Australia earlier this year as a collaborative mechanism to enable resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply chains, the statement said.

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Prime Minister Modi highlighted the need to develop bilateral partnerships in manufacturing, MSME and skill development.

They discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to address it and highlighted the increasing importance of digital technologies.