New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) - The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi jointly chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday. The discussions revolved around key areas including economic, maritime, supply chain, critical minerals, technology, P2P, and multilateral cooperation between the two nations.

EAM Jaishankar highlighted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is on an "upward trajectory" and possesses significant potential to influence the global order while mitigating risks in the international economy.

"I am 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 on an upward trajectory and holds immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the international economy," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

"Today’s discussions, which included deeper economic, maritime, supply chain, critical mineral, technology, P2P, and multilateral cooperation, reflect our shared interests and mutual understanding. We also had a valuable exchange of views on Indo-Pacific and regional and global developments," he elaborated.

Earlier, EAM Jaishankar warmly welcomed Toshimitsu Motegi.

"I am delighted to welcome FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan to India. As we engage in strategic talks today, I am even more pleased to discover a fellow cricket enthusiast in FM Motegi. In the spirit of our shared passion for the sport, I was honored to receive a Japan national cricket team jersey and presented him with a bat signed by the Indian cricket team," he noted on X.

In his opening remarks during the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue, EAM Jaishankar emphasized that New Delhi prioritizes collaboration with Tokyo in international forums such as the Quad, the United Nations, and the G20.

"As I welcome you today, I want to stress that India places great importance on its friendship with Japan. Over the past two decades, we have successfully transformed our relationship from primarily an economic focus to one that is broad, comprehensive, and strategically significant. We prioritize our collaboration with Japan in international contexts, including the Quad, the United Nations, G4 membership, and the G20," he stated.

"Reflecting on our relationship, it is notable that it was a Japanese Prime Minister who, during his address to the Indian Parliament, laid the foundation for the Indo-Pacific as a political, economic, and strategic concept. Many years have passed, but our initiative, termed Mahasagar, which envisions the Indo-Pacific, aligns closely with your Free and Open Indo-Pacific outlook," he added.

EAM Jaishankar underscored the necessity for India and Japan to collaborate closely towards shared strategic objectives amid a currently uncertain global landscape. He extended a warm welcome to Toshimitsu Motegi and reminisced about their previous meeting.

"We are both leading democracies and significant global economies, and we not only have an opportunity but a duty to shape the global order. In this uncertain global scenario, it is crucial that we work closely towards common strategic goals," he remarked.

He also mentioned that India and Japan will commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027, affirming that the "special, strategic, and global partnership is on a continuously upward trajectory."