India, Japan agree to boost defense, security ties at 2+2 dialogue

India and Japan this week agreed to boost defense and security ties, while pushing for common strategic vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japanese foreign minister Kamikawa Yoko and defense minister Kihara Minoru met their Indian counterparts S. Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh, respectively, under the so-called ‘India-Japan 2+2’ dialogue in New Delhi over Monday and Tuesday.

The top ministers from both the nations discussed progress on the sharing of battleship communication antennas, or the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN), and related technology from Tokyo to Delhi, a joint statement said.

The ministers also reiterated their backing for Asean’s unity and centrality and their full support for the “Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)” which upholds the principles such as openness, transparency, inclusivity, a rules-based framework and respect for international law, a ministry of external affairs statement issued after the meetings said..

They also valued their cooperation in Quad and reaffirmed their commitment to advance it further based on the discussion at the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Tokyo on 29 July.

Both nations are part of the Quad grouping with the US and Australia, seen as a counter to China’s influence in the region.

The ministers also backed efforts to foster people-to-people exchanges, emphasizing the significance of India’s decision to set up a new consulate in Fukuoka.

They also welcomed the impending celebration of India month in Japan and the Japan month in India in September.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Japan for the next annual summit, with the ministers deciding to hold the next 2+2 ministerial meeting in Japan.