Japan's Motegi, India's Jaishankar Aim to Strengthen Ties, Realize Free Indo-Pacific

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has thanked India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for congratulating him on his reappointment. Both ministers expressed a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and working towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This exchange follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier congratulations to Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi on her election victory. The diplomatic engagements underscore the ongoing high-level efforts to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Key Points: Japan-India Foreign Ministers Vow to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

  • Motegi thanks Jaishankar for reappointment congratulations
  • Leaders pledge to strengthen Special Strategic and Global Partnership
  • Focus on realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
  • Follows PM Modi's earlier congratulatory message to Sanae Takaichi
3 min read

'Look forward to strengthening ties with India': Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi

Japanese FM Toshimitsu Motegi and Indian EAM S. Jaishankar commit to advancing bilateral relations and realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

"I look forward to continuously working with you... to realize a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)' - Toshimitsu Motegi"

Tokyo, Feb 24

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday thanked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for his congratulatory message on his reappointment to the post and stated that he is looking forward to strengthening bilateral ties with India and realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared Toshimitsu Motegi's statement on X.

"I appreciate your congratulatory message on my reappointment. I look forward to continuously working with you S Jaishankar to strengthen bilateral relations and to realize a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)'. Minister for Foreign Affairs MOTEGI Toshimitsu," the statement read.

Motegi's statement came in response to EAM Jaishankar's congratulatory message on his reappointment as Japan's Foreign Minister.

In a statement shared on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Congratulate FM Toshimitsu Motegi on his reappointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Look forward to working together to advance our Special Strategic and Global Partnership."

Earlier, on February 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her victory in Japan's House of Representatives election.

In his message, PM Modi expressed confidence that he and Takaichi will continue to take the friendship between India and Japan to greater heights.

"Congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing global peace, stability and prosperity. I am confident that under your able leadership, we will continue to take the India-Japan friendship to greater heights," PM Modi posted on X.

In response to his wishes, Sanae Takaichi thanked PM Modi and stated that she is looking forward to working with him to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations.

"Thank you very much, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your warm congratulations on the House of Representatives election. I look forward to continuing to work together with you to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India and to cooperate in realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," Takaichi posted on X.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives election held on February 8. The LDP is the first party in postwar Japan to cross the two-thirds majority line of 310 seats in the 465-member lower house, Japan's Kyodo News reported.

On January 16, EAM Jaishankar and Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi co-chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi and discussed economic, maritime, supply chain, critical mineral, technology, P2P and multilateral cooperation between both countries.

"Pleased to co-chair the 18th India - Japan Strategic Dialogue alongside FM Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi today. Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is on an upward trajectory and holds immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the international economy," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

"Today's discussions on deeper economic, maritime, supply chain, critical mineral, technology, P2P and multilateral cooperation were reflective of our shared interests and mutual understanding. Also had a useful exchange of perspectives on Indo-Pacific and regional and global developments," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with Japanese companies in Bangalore, this partnership is a game-changer. The work ethic and technological prowess Japan brings, combined with India's talent and market, is a winning formula. Hope to see more joint ventures in semiconductors and renewable energy.
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Vikram M
Good to see the diplomatic engagement continuing smoothly. Japan is a reliable partner. However, I hope our government also ensures that the "critical mineral" cooperation benefits our local industries and doesn't just lead to resource extraction for their benefit. The terms must be equitable.
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Priya S
The strategic dialogue covers all the right areas - maritime security, tech, and supply chains. In today's volatile world, having a strong ally like Japan is a blessing. Their investment in our bullet train project is just the beginning. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
While the statements are positive, I wish the article gave more concrete examples of what "strengthening ties" means for the common person. Will it mean more job opportunities, student exchanges, or affordable Japanese tech? The diplomacy is great, but we need to see tangible outcomes.
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Michael C
The FOIP vision is essential for ensuring freedom of navigation and rule-based order in the region. India and Japan, along with partners like the US and Australia (the Quad), are key pillars in this. This continuity in Japan's foreign ministry is reassuring for long-term planning.

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