India, Japan hold 10th Strategic Dialogue

The 10th India-Japan Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue was held between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono here on Monday.

Following this, the Japanese Foreign Minister called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the follow-up actions taken after the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan and put forth that India looks forward to the next Annual Summit with Japan which is scheduled to be held later this year.

During the Strategic Dialogue, India and Japan agreed that Kono's visit to India provides an opportunity for the nations to identify agendas in bilateral relations in 2019.

"It marked an important beginning for a series of high-level bilateral exchanges this year to take our relationship to newer heights," an official release outlined.

Discussions were also held on the actions taken on the outcomes of the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018 and was attended by Prime Minister Modi.

"They reaffirmed that based on shared values and interests, the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context and has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," the release outlined while highlighting that talks were also held on regional and global issues of common interest.

India further promised its full support for Japan's Presidency in G-20 this year.

The Japanese Foreign Minister is currently on an official three-day visit to India from January 7 to January 9, and is scheduled to take part in the India Japan Friendship Forum on January 8.