NewKerala.com

Jaishankar Bonds With Japan FM Over Cricket, Stresses Economic Security

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi. The meeting featured a light-hearted moment where both ministers bonded over a shared passion for cricket, exchanging a Japanese team jersey and a bat signed by the Indian team. Jaishankar underscored the paramount importance of economic security and the need to de-risk national and global economies. He emphasized that the India-Japan partnership has evolved into a broad, comprehensive, and strategic relationship over two decades.

Key Points: India-Japan Strategic Talks: Cricket Bond & Economic Security

  • Strategic dialogue held in New Delhi
  • Shared passion for cricket discovered
  • Jersey and signed bat exchanged
  • Economic security called paramount
  • Relationship termed broad and strategic
2 min read

EAM discovers shared love for cricket with Japan's FM amid strategic talks

EAM Jaishankar finds shared cricket passion with Japan FM Motegi during strategic dialogue, discusses de-risking economies.

"Delighted to welcome FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan to India... even more pleased to find a fellow cricket enthusiast. - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, January 16

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held strategic talks with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

In a light-hearted moment, Jaishankar acknowledged a shared passion for cricket between the both of them.

In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to welcome FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan to India. As we hold the India-Japan strategic talks today, even more pleased to find a fellow cricket enthusiast in FM Toshimitsu Motegi. In the spirit of our shared passion for the sport, honoured to receive a Japan national cricket team jersey. Also gifted him a bat signed by the Indian cricket team."

Jaishankar noted with a smile that Toshimitsu was also a fan of cricket.

"I must say, even though I have known you for so long, it was, for me, such a pleasant discovery to see your deep attachment to cricket. It was reflected in your article today," he said.

Jaishankar then said that he hoped to enjoy a cricket match with him in Japan someday.

"I had some sense from our earlier conversation, but it was news to me that you actually have a proper playing field in your hometown, and I hope one day that I will have the opportunity of joining you there. So once again, a very, very warm welcome," he said.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of economic security, calling it "paramount" and stressing the need to de-risk both national and global economies amid an uncertain international economic environment.

Speaking during his opening remarks at the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Toshimitsu, Jaishankar said India places a very high priority on its partnership with Japan, which has evolved over the past two decades into a broad, comprehensive and strategic relationship.

"India attaches very great priority to its friendship with Japan. And over the last two decades, we have been successful in transforming the relationship from what was primarily an economic relationship into one that is broad, comprehensive, and strategic in its focus," Jaishankar said, referring to cooperation in platforms such as the Quad, the United Nations, the G4 grouping and the G20.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is such a heartwarming read. Beyond all the formal talks, it's these human moments that build lasting friendships between nations. Who knew Japan's FM was a cricket fan? Hope they get to play that match someday!
R
Rohit P
While the cricket story is nice, I hope the strategic talks yielded concrete results on economic security and de-risking supply chains. That's what matters most for the common citizen's future. The bat and jersey are symbolic, but we need solid outcomes.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India for work, I find this fascinating. It shows how soft power and shared interests can pave the way for harder strategic discussions. The Quad partnership seems to be growing on multiple levels.
V
Vikram M
Japan national cricket team jersey? That's a thing? 😄 Great to see our sport spreading. On a serious note, the India-Japan relationship is crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific. Shared values and now shared hobbies!
K
Kavya N
EAM Jaishankar always finds a way to connect on a personal level. It's good diplomacy. The focus on transforming the relationship from just economic to broad and strategic is the key takeaway for me. More power to this friendship.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50