EAM Jaishankar Meets Japanese PM Kishida In Tokyo, Discusses ‘Strengthening Of Special Strategic’ Ties

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo and discussed various aspects of the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. Jaishankar also apprised PM Kishida of the progress made during the dialogue and sought his guidance on further enhancing the Global and Special Strategic Partnership between India and Japan.

In an X post, he stated, “Honored to call on Japanese PM @kishida230 as I conclude my visit to Tokyo. Conveyed warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Apprised him of the progress made in Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue. Value his guidance on the further strengthening of our Global and Special Strategic Partnership.”

Honored to call on Japanese PM @kishida230 as I conclude my visit to Tokyo. Conveyed warm greetings of PM @narendramodi.

Apprised him of the progress made in Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue. Value his guidance on the further strengthening of our Global and Special… pic.twitter.com/OPLNeKauid

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 8, 2024

Jaishankar Meets Ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe’s Wife, Gives Personal Letter From PM Modi

During his visit to Tokyo, S. Jaishankar met with Akie Abe, the wife of Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and discussed Shinzo Abe’s invaluable contribution to the advancement of India-Japan strategic relations. Shinzo Abe, who served as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, passed away on July 8, 2022, after being shot during an election campaign speech in Nara, Japan. Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, having held office from 2006 to 2007, and then again from 2012 to 2020. 

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“On my visit to Tokyo this time, met with Mrs Akie Abe, wife of late PM Shinzo Abe. Recalled PM Shinzo Abe’s invaluable contribution to the advancement of India-Japan relations”, the minister said on platform X. Handed over a personal letter from PM Narendra Modi conveying his condolences on the recent passing away of Mrs Yoko Abe, mother of the late PM, Jaishankar said. 

On my visit to Tokyo this time, met with Mrs Akie Abe, wife of late PM Shinzo Abe.

Recalled PM Shinzo Abe’s invaluable contribution to the advancement of India-Japan relations.

Handed over a personal letter from PM @narendramodi conveying his condolences on the recent passing… pic.twitter.com/5M33NKnht2

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 8, 2024

Following the death of Shinzo Abe in 2022, Prime Minister Modi in an emotional note, hailed him as an outstanding leader of Japan. Modi emphasised Abe’s visionary leadership, stating that with his passing, Japan and the world had lost a great visionary, and he himself had lost a dear friend. Modi lauded Abe’s dedication to strengthening Japan’s strategic ties with India, citing landmark initiatives such as the bilateral civil nuclear deal and key trade agreements.

Notably, Abe played a pivotal role in convincing New Delhi to join the Quad grouping, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing regional cooperation. Additionally, Abe’s efforts led to the clearance of hurdles for the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IJCEPA), which came into force on August 1, 2011.

The IJCEPA stands as one of the most comprehensive agreements India has concluded with other countries to date. In another development, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met with Toshimitsu Motegi, the Secretary-General of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), to discuss strengthening ties between the two nations.

Jaishankar posted on X, “Very good to meet @moteging, Secretary General of LDP again. Appreciate his friendship as well as his support for our partnership. Fruitful conversation on ways to strengthen ties in an uncertain world.”   

Very good to meet @moteging, Secretary General of LDP again.

Appreciate his friendship as well as support for our partnership.

Fruitful conversation on ways to strengthen 🇮🇳 🇯🇵 ties in an uncertain world. pic.twitter.com/2Pfo47s2N5

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 8, 2024

Jaishankar Addresses Forum On India-Japan Partnership

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed the Nikkei Forum on the India-Japan partnership, emphasising the significance of the bilateral relationship. “India and Japan today are convergent on the big picture and the key concerns. Our inclination and ability to respond in a more coordinated manner have also improved,” he wrote.

“Our partnership has identified more avenues for increased cooperation as well. Our ties will draw strength from our larger activities together, especially Quad. As the world, the Indo-Pacific and our two countries evolve, in the relationship lie many solutions for us nationally, for the region and the world”, he said on X. 

India and Japan today are convergent on the big picture and the key concerns. Our inclination and ability to respond in a more coordinated manner has also improved. Our partnership has identified more avenues for… pic.twitter.com/bDYitLE9Ai

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 8, 2024

Jaishankar is on a visit to Japan from March 6-8. He earlier visited South Korea and held talks with the country’s leadership, as per PTI.