Port Louis, April 10 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, engaged in a phone call with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on Friday, where they exchanged views on the current situation in West Asia, particularly regarding international maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz.

Post-discussion, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "It was productive to connect with FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan. We talked about the evolving circumstances in West Asia, especially around international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. I appreciate his condolences for the Indian lives lost amidst the ongoing conflict."

This dialogue transpired following a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which commenced on Wednesday, with peace negotiations set to initiate later this week.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a crucial maritime passage linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is essential for global oil transportation. A substantial portion of the world’s seaborne crude oil flows through this strait, rendering any interruption a significant concern for nations reliant on energy imports.

Last month, EAM Jaishankar had also met with Motegi during the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting held in France.

"It’s always a pleasure to meet my friend FM Toshimitsu Motegi, this time at the G7 FMM," Jaishankar shared on social media platform X.

On March 6, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with Sadamasa Oue, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, focusing on enhancing defense technology and economic security.

According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged with Sadamasa Oue, resulting in a constructive exchange regarding the fortification of the defense technology and economic security aspects of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership."

In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi following her success in the House of Representatives election in Japan.

In his congratulatory message, PM Modi expressed optimism that both he and Takaichi would advance the bonds between India and Japan further.

"Congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your significant electoral victory! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is pivotal in promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity. I am confident that under your strong leadership, we will elevate the India-Japan friendship to new heights," he mentioned on platform X.