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Key Points

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that India-Japan discussions focused exclusively on bilateral cooperation. He clarified that third-country issues were not part of the formal agenda during Prime Minister Modi's visit. The two nations signed a comprehensive Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation addressing contemporary challenges. This visit also produced a new 2035 Vision Statement to guide future India-Japan relations.

Key Points: India Japan Focus on Bilateral Cooperation Not Third Countries Says Misri

  • New security declaration includes cybersecurity and counterterrorism cooperation
  • Institutionalized dialogue between NSAs of India and Japan established
  • Talks focused on upgrading the 2025 Vision Statement to 2035
  • Emphasis remained on strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors
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Focus was on bilateral cooperation, not any third-country: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on India-Japan talks

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarifies India-Japan talks centered on bilateral security and economic cooperation, not third-party issues like US or China relations.

"At this point in time, our discussion with Japan was about our bilateral issues. We were not discussing issues between, either one of us, in any third country. - Vikram Misri"

Tokyo, August 29

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday underlined that discussions between India and Japan during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit were centred on bilateral cooperation and not on issues related to any third country.

Addressing a special MEA press briefing in Tokyo, Misri said, "At this point in time, our discussion with Japan was about our bilateral issues. We were not discussing issues between, either one of us, in any third country. Naturally, what is happening in the rest of the world is discussed. But today's focus remained squarely on our bilateral cooperation."

He was responding to a question on whether US-India trade tensions and India's ties with the US and China figured in the bilateral talks, particularly in the backdrop of the joint declaration on security cooperation signed between India and Japan earlier in the day.

Explaining the significance of the document, Misri said it provides an enabling framework for both countries to respond more effectively to contemporary security challenges. "An important feature of this document is the broad concept of security it embodies, which includes cooperation on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, defence industry, research and development, and closer cooperation on security issues in multilateral groupings. One of the new features of the security engagement between the two countries would be an institutionalised dialogue between the national security advisors of the two countries, " he said.

The MEA official highlighted that the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between the two countries is among the outcomes of the PM's visit to Japan.

The declaration is a comprehensive framework to evolve defence and security cooperation to respond to contemporary security challenges in line with the Special Strategic and Global Partnership of the two countries.

The Foreign Secretary further stressed that the emphasis of PM Modi's two-day official visit remained on strengthening India-Japan ties across security, technology, and economic cooperation.

At the India-Japan Summit that PM Modi held with Ishiba, the two sides released a joint statement as well as the "2035 Vision Statement" for the future of the relationship to upgrade the 2025 Vision Statement announced by PM Modi and then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a decade ago.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The cybersecurity and counterterrorism cooperation is much needed in today's digital age. Glad to see India strengthening ties with technologically advanced nations like Japan. This will create opportunities for our youth too!
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Michael C
While the bilateral focus is good, I hope we're not completely ignoring the geopolitical realities. The China factor is always in the background when India and Japan talk security. Transparency would be appreciated.
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Ananya R
The 2035 Vision Statement shows long-term thinking. Japan's technology combined with India's human capital can create wonders. Hope this leads to more Japanese investments in manufacturing and infrastructure projects here.
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Vikram M
Institutionalised dialogue between NSAs is a significant step. This will ensure continuity in security cooperation regardless of political changes in either country. Solid foundation for the future!
S
Sarah B
Good to see India maintaining independent foreign policy. Not getting drawn into US-China tensions shows maturity. Every country should prioritize its own national interests first.

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