India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on January 19, in Washington, DC. This meeting was their second in-person interaction, following their previous discussion during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Italy in November 2024.
Minister Jaishankar shared the update on X, saying, “Good to meet with FM Takeshi Iwaya of Japan. Reviewed the progress in our bilateral cooperation. Also discussed developments pertaining to Quad.”
The two Ministers discussed various aspects of bilateral collaboration, covering political, security, economic, technological, and cultural areas. They expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and underlined the need to maintain regular strategic communication through frameworks like the Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers.
To strengthen the partnership, Jaishankar extended an invitation to Iwaya to visit India.
A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Science and Technology Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1985. Both leaders described this milestone as an opportunity to deepen collaborative efforts in research and development.
The talks highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people exchanges, particularly in education, skill development, and technology. These efforts aim to reinforce ties between the two nations while enhancing opportunities for professionals and students.
The meeting also recognized the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections between India and Japan, tracing back to ancient times. Notable historical figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose have been instrumental in strengthening this bond.
Japan’s connection with India includes events like the consecration of the Buddha statue in Nara by Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD. Today, the relationship is further enriched by the Indian community in Japan, which has grown to over 40,000, including a significant number of students pursuing higher education. Tokyo’s Nishikasai area has become a hub for the Indian diaspora, reflecting the increased demand for Indian cultural and educational institutions.
(ANI)
