EAM Jaishankar and Japanese counterpart discuss West Asia situation, economic security issues

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi on Monday, ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Jaishankar underscored the strategic partnership between India and Japan, framing it as critical to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. He emphasized shared concerns over West Asia’s instability, noting both nations are major energy importers with maritime interests, and stressed the importance of economic security amid global tensions. Motegi acknowledged the world’s most significant post-war structural changes, driven by shifting power dynamics and conflicts, calling on India and Japan to lead in shaping the international order. He referenced recent policy speeches by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi in Vietnam and Kenya, which outlined updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) principles aimed at bolstering regional resilience in economy, society, and security. Motegi urged closer cooperation through the Quad framework to implement these initiatives. The meeting also revisited past engagements, including Jaishankar’s January remarks during the Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue and their prior interactions in France and New Delhi. Officials present included India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi. Motegi’s visit extends to a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, alongside other ministers. During his stay, Motegi highlighted the Quad’s role as a platform for practical cooperation among Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India, aligned with shared values and FOIP goals. This marks his fourth attendance at Quad meetings, including phone talks, with the first in-person gathering since 2019. The discussions aim to address structural changes in the global order, with both ministers reaffirming commitments to regional stability and economic security.