Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar held the second India-Japan 2+2 ministerial dialogue along with their Japanese counterparts – Hamada Yasukazu and Hayashi Yoshimasa – respectively in Tokyo on September 8.
Key Highlights
- The first such dialogue was held in November 2019.
- Both sides emphasised the need for all to seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law without resorting to use of force or attempt to unilaterally change status quo.
- Both sides agreed to step up bilateral defence cooperation and engage in more military exercises, including joint fighter jet drills.
- During the 90-minute-long meeting, the two ministers also agreed to hold military drills aimed at boosting co-ordination between the air forces of the two nations.
- The two leaders further strengthened their commitment to continuing bilateral and multilateral exercises including ‘Dharma Guardian’, ‘JIMEX’ and ‘Malabar’.
- The Ministers also reiterated their strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality and their full support for the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)” which upholds the principles such as the rule of law, openness, freedom, transparency and inclusiveness.
- Japan and India are members of the Quad – which includes the US and Australia – a strategic grouping considered by some as a counter to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
