Maritime security, proliferation issues discussed at trilateral meeting between India, U.S. and Japan

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said that the issues of maritime security, connectivity and proliferation were discussed at trilateral meeting between India, Japan and the United States.

Addressing the media here, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the ministers emphasised on the need for ensuring freedom of navigation, respect for the international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.

"This is the third trilateral meeting that took place. The issues of maritime security, connectivity and proliferation were discussed at the trilateral meeting between India, the U.S. and Japan. The ministers emphasised on the need for ensuring freedom of navigation, respect for the international law and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said.

On connectivity initiatives, Kumar said the importance of basing them on universally-recognised international norms, prudent financing and respect for sovereignity and territorial integrity was underlined.

When asked about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kumar said the EAM deplored its recent actions and stated that its proliferation linkages must be explored and those involved be held accountable.

He said that Sushma Swaraj's meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was not to discuss the issue of Rohingyas, but was just a courtesy meeting.

"EAM Sushma Swaraj met the foreign ministries of five countries. Tunisia, Latvia, the U.A.E., Denmark and Bahrain. She also called on the two heads of government of Bhutan and Bangladesh. Bangladesh was more of a courtesy call. Towards the end of the day, the EAM had a meeting with Ivanka Trump. Discussions were also held over her visit to India for the Global Entrepreneurs Summit and women empowerment," he added.

Kumar said that Swaraj met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the U.A.E. and discussed measures to attract foreign direct investment into India.

"In her meeting with Bahrain Foreign Minister, EAM Swaraj held discussions on regional issues, especially the situation in the Gulf," he added.

Sushma Swaraj arrived in New York on Sunday for seven days of back-to-back engagements centring around the U.N. General Assembly, including her first meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson.

Conclusively, Sushma Swaraj is set to have several bilateral meetings and multilateral commitments, apart from speaking at the U.N. general debate on September 23.