India, Japan to partner in Russia’s Far East, Pacific Island states

Raising the bar for their multifaceted partnership, India and Japan are set to advance their partnership in the Indo-Pacific and beyond in third countries, a development that is going to be watched closely by China.

Speaking at the Opening Session of the India-Japan Forum, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla underlined the shared vision of the two countries for “a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region” and joint resolve to deepen cooperation through the Quad.

“Progress in the economic pillar of our ties has been accompanied by an increasing convergence in our strategic outlook towards the region. This is reflected in our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” said Mr Shringla. “This convergence is not only seen in bilateral exchanges but also in the increasing comfort in working with other like-minded partners through plurilateral forums, involving other partners. In addition, Quad consultations along with the US and Australia provide a platform for these four countries to explore ways to synergize their respective efforts towards the region.”

Mr Shringla’s speech focused on plans for enhancing cooperation in third countries, which will entail moving beyond India’s immediate neighbourhood to the Russian Far East and the Pacific Island States.

“India and Japan are continuing to enhance their ability to work with other partners in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. We are looking at deepening our cooperation in third countries, moving beyond India’s immediate neighbourhood to the Russian Far East and the Pacific Island States,” said Mr Shringla.

“Japan’s participation as the lead partner in the ‘connectivity pillar’ of the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 is greatly welcome and will provide significant impetus to this initiative,” said India’s top diplomat.

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