India and Japan on Tuesday (20/8) agreed to improve defense and security relations, as well as support a “joint strategic vision” of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The area is an area where both countries face problems in their relationship with China.
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who attended the dialogue, said, “A free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific is a top priority for both our countries. We are exploring the possibility of coordinating our respective security and development assistance where our interests intersect.”
The foreign and defense ministers of the two countries held talks dubbed the 'India-Japan 2+2' dialogue in New Delhi. The meeting was the third such bilateral dialogue in the last five years.
The ministers discussed progress in the transfer of combat ship communication antennas and related technology from Japan to India, according to a joint statement.
The move would mark Japan's first export of defense equipment and technology transfer to New Delhi under a 2015 agreement, as Tokyo seeks to strengthen its defense industry.
Economic and political ties between India and Japan have grown. The two countries are members of a security group called the Quad along with the US and Australia. The group is seen as a counter to China's influence in the region.
Last year, Japan and India, the world’s third and fifth-largest economies respectively, launched a $600 million joint fund for low-carbon projects. Their bilateral trade is valued at $22.85 billion in fiscal 2023/24. (uh/ns)
