The 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue opened on a high note in New Delhi, with EAM S. Jaishankar extending a heartfelt welcome to Japan’s Toshimitsu Motegi. Jaishankar reiterated India’s foremost priority to collaborate with Japan on platforms such as Quad, United Nations, G4, and G20, marking a new era in bilateral engagement.
Relations have evolved dramatically over two decades, shifting from economic-centric to holistic strategic ties. Jaishankar praised Japan’s role in conceptualizing the Indo-Pacific as a political-economic-strategic construct, mirroring India’s own stance on a free and open region.
Addressing global instability, he positioned India and Japan as duty-bound leaders to forge the future world order. Motegi’s visits to Philippines, Qatar, Israel, and Palestine highlight aligned stakes in Indo-Pacific dynamics and West Asian energy flows.
Approaching 75 years of diplomacy in 2027, the partnership’s ascent is evident. Conversations will tackle unique bilateral demands and regional synergies, echoing PM Modi’s prior inputs. This friendship, deeper than strategy or economy, shines through leader-level camaraderie.
The event underscores expanding horizons in defense, infrastructure, and innovation. In a multipolar world, this Indo-Japanese axis promises resilience, mutual growth, and leadership in global challenges.