Tokyo, Jan 22 (NationPress) The newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Japan, Nagma Mallick, met with Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Thursday to explore enhancements in their bilateral collaboration in agriculture, food processing, and the exchange of best practices.

In a statement posted on X by the Indian Embassy in Japan, it was mentioned, "Ambassador-designate Nagma M Mallick met with HE Mr. SUZUKI Norikazu, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, discussing ways to strengthen the India-Japan partnership in agriculture, food processing, and the sharing of best practices."

Earlier in the week, Mallick also held discussions with Japan's Minister of Economic Security in Tokyo, covering various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including Economic Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cultural ties.

On January 16, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, co-chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on key areas such as economic cooperation, maritime issues, supply chains, critical minerals, technology, and multilateral cooperation.

Expressing optimism, EAM Jaishankar stated, "I was pleased to co-chair the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with FM Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi today. Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is progressing positively and holds significant potential for influencing global order and mitigating risks in the international economy," as noted in a post on X.

He further elaborated that the discussions covered deeper cooperation in various sectors, reflecting shared interests and mutual understanding, along with an exchange of views on the Indo-Pacific region and global developments.

On the same day, Minister Motegi paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that both nations are 'natural partners' sharing fundamental values and strategic interests.

According to a statement from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "At the outset of the meeting, Minister Motegi emphasized that Japan and India are 'natural partners' sharing fundamental values and strategic interests, expressing hope for collaboration towards a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' based on their robust bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Minister Motegi's visit, expressing a desire to enhance cooperation within the framework of the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership."

The two sides also agreed to boost bilateral exchanges in 2027, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and India.

With the 'Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade' unveiled during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan in August last year, the leaders engaged in candid discussions across a range of topics, including security, economic security, investment, innovation such as AI, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, aiming to elevate Japan-India relations to new heights, as further stated by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.