Japan, India Agree To Oppose Unilateral Attempts To Change Status Quo
The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and India have agreed that they will strongly oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, apparently with China in mind.
Thursday's "two-plus-two" talks held in Tokyo was the second such meeting between the two countries.
From Japan, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu attended. India was represented by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
At the opening of the meeting, Hayashi said Japan puts great importance on relations with India. He added that, in the world, the existing order is facing various challenges, and the need for their bilateral cooperation is becoming increasingly high.
Hamada said cooperation and exchange between Japanese and Indian defense authorities have been advancing, citing bilateral and multinational drills involving the two countries.
The ministers agreed to strongly oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, as well as to economic pressure, keeping increasingly assertive China in mind.
They also confirmed to work together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific and to enhance cooperation in the Quad framework, which is made up of the two countries, as well as the United States and Australia.
They also agreed to step up joint drills between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Indian military, and advance cooperation in the area of defense equipment.