The recent 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, co-hosted by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marked a significant milestone in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The dialogue underscored the deepening defence cooperation between the two nations, highlighting progress in joint military exercises, defence policy dialogues, and the shared vision for Indo-Pacific stability.
In a pivotal moment for India-Japan relations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterparts convened for the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The discussions not only reflected the growing synergy between the two nations but also underscored their joint commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. As both countries celebrate a decade of their Special Global Strategic Partnership, the dialogue served as a testament to their enhanced cooperation in defence and technology.
The 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, held in India, was a significant step forward in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his delight in co-hosting the dialogue, acknowledging the progress made since the last meeting in Tokyo in September 2022. The discussions were comprehensive, covering a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where both India and Japan play crucial roles as sentinels of peace and stability.
Key achievements highlighted during the dialogue included the successful institution of Joint Services Staff Talks and the first-ever Fighter exercise, Exercise Veer Guardian, between the Air Forces of India and Japan. Notably, all three services conducted bilateral exercises within the same calendar year, demonstrating the thriving cooperation between the defence forces of both nations.
In the realm of Defence Equipment and Technological Cooperation, India and Japan have made notable strides. Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub by 2047, with domestic defence capabilities being a cornerstone of this ambition. Partnering with Japan in defence technologies and industry is seen as a critical component in achieving this goal, furthering India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The dialogue also reaffirmed the shared vision of India and Japan for the Indo-Pacific. With growing convergence on issues of peace, security, and stability in the region, both nations reiterated their support for each other’s efforts in promoting regional security. India’s active participation in the ADMM Plus was highlighted as a key element in fostering cooperation among ASEAN and the Plus countries, including Japan.
The 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue stands as a significant milestone in the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. With substantial progress made in defence cooperation, technological collaboration, and a shared vision for Indo-Pacific stability, the dialogue underscores the commitment of both India and Japan to a peaceful and secure future. As they continue to build on this partnership, the outcomes of this dialogue are expected to contribute significantly to regional and global security.
