India-Japan Maritime Dialogue Enhances Security Cooperation
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Synopsis
The 7th India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue took place in Tokyo, focusing on securing a maritime environment that promotes inclusive growth and global well-being. Key discussions included enhancing maritime cooperation and addressing regional challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening maritime security cooperation
- Addressing illicit maritime activities
- Enhancing maritime domain awareness
- Promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
- Reinforcing India-Japan partnership
Tokyo, April 2 (NationPress) The 7th India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue took place in the capital of Japan on Wednesday, with both nations engaging in discussions aimed at ensuring a secure maritime environment that fosters inclusive growth and global well-being.
The Indian delegation was headed by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs) from the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Japanese side was represented by Kashiwabara Yutaka, Deputy Director-General and Deputy Assistant Minister of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, "Both nations reviewed ongoing collaborative initiatives in the maritime sector and explored methods to enhance international and regional frameworks for comprehensive maritime security. They agreed to bolster their joint efforts in areas such as maritime domain awareness, combating Illicit Maritime Activities (IMA), capability enhancement, and capacity-building initiatives."
Additionally, a press release from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that during the dialogue, both India and Japan exchanged views on their assessments of regional challenges and situations in the Indo-Pacific.
"To achieve a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, they recognized the importance of ongoing close cooperation to uphold and enhance the maritime order grounded in the rule of law," it added.
The sixth Maritime Affairs Dialogue was conducted virtually on September 9, 2021, focusing on developments in the maritime security landscape, regional collaboration efforts, and potential opportunities for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
In October of the previous year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership through increased cooperation across various sectors, including trade and investment, infrastructure, defense and security, semiconductors, skills development, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, as detailed in a statement from the MEA.
"Both leaders underscored that India and Japan are indispensable partners for a peaceful, safe, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming their commitment to collaborate towards this shared objective," the statement concluded.
India and Japan enjoy a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with their friendship anchored in a long-standing history characterized by spiritual affinity and robust cultural and civilizational connections.
