Both sides also agree to prepare a new framework for security cooperation
Meeting in New Delhi for the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on Tuesday (August 20, 2024), the two sides discussed new avenues of cooperation in technology, research, and industry. They also agreed to prepare a new framework for security cooperation in addition to reiterating their commitment for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific
 
This was part of what External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described as extensive and productive exchange of views on cross-cutting issues pertaining to defence and security. "We discussed the unfolding new avenues for technology, research and industrial cooperation," he said in his press statement at the 2+2 ministerial meeting.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and
Defense Minister Kihara Minoru represented Japan at the meeting; 
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM Jaishankar participated from the Indian side.
 
According to EAM Jaishankar, the growth of technology like semiconductors also necessitates human resource cooperation. "This is crucial for our diversification and de-risking efforts, for our economic and technology security overall and for sustained economic resilience of the world. We are also considering a dialogue that will seek to give shape to these common objectives," he pointed out. 

Highlighting the need for progress in trust-based collaboration in emerging technologies, EAM Jaishankar requested the visiting Japanese ministers to look into the regulatory bottlenecks that currently exist.
 
Maintaining that a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific was the top priority for both our countries, both sides explored "the possibility of coordinating our respective security and development assistance where our interests converge," he pointed out.

At the same time, with 2024 marking the 10th anniversary of the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership, ministers from both sides agreed to task officials with preparing a new framework for security cooperation, EAM Jaishankar said. "I also shared our desire for a new vision for our overall partnership that orients our relations in line with our evolving national goals and priorities," he added.
 
Expressing appreciation for Japan’s involvement in the development of the North-East region of India through the India-Japan Act East Forum, EAM Jaishankar requested Foreign Minister Kamikawa for her continued support. "We also discussed progressing the High-Speed railway cooperation," he said.

When it comes to people-to-people engagement, India and Japan discussed expanding the flow of skills and talents, as also of students and tourists. "Policy changes to enable this are a priority," EAM Jaishankar remarked. He also announced that India would open a new Consulate in the city of Fukuoka to nurture the growing people-to-people ties.