New Delhi, August 20 — Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara arrived in New Delhi on Monday to participate in the third round of the India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial meeting. The discussions are scheduled to take place at the Hyderabad House on Tuesday evening.
Upon their arrival, the Japanese ministers paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were also present during this engagement. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the Japanese ministers and highlighted the significance of the 2+2 meeting in the current complex regional and global landscape.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the strengthening of ties between India and Japan, particularly in sectors such as critical minerals, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing. He underscored the importance of close cooperation between the two nations, which he described as “trusted friends.”
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, marking her first visit to India since assuming office, expressed that Japan and India bear a significant responsibility for ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Kamikawa conveyed her desire to “co-create” solutions to the various global challenges faced by the international community.
Defence Minister Minoru Kihara acknowledged the progress made in security cooperation between Japan and India. He stated that this progress is a testament to both countries’ recognition of the importance of such collaboration and requested continued support from Prime Minister Modi.
Before the 2+2 talks, Foreign Minister Kamikawa will engage in discussions with EAM Jaishankar. Their talks are expected to focus on furthering bilateral economic and development cooperation, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and collaborating on international issues.
During his recent visit to Tokyo for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, EAM Jaishankar emphasized the need for a “contemporary partnership” between India and Japan, addressing new capabilities, technologies, and challenges. Jaishankar’s earlier discussions with Kamikawa highlighted Tokyo’s view of New Delhi as a crucial partner, with both nations looking to deepen their collaboration through ongoing dialogue.
The upcoming 2+2 meeting is poised to build on the growing strategic partnership between Japan and India. The discussions will likely address key areas of mutual interest and further the bilateral agenda in a rapidly evolving global context.