Amid increasing alignment on strategic priorities, particularly regarding a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, India and Japan announced plans to revise and update the 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. This update, outlined in a joint statement after their 2+2 dialogue on Tuesday, aims to address contemporary priorities and current security challenges.
The 2008 Declaration established a foundation for deeper security cooperation between the two nations, including strategic dialogues and consultations between foreign and defense ministers. The updated Declaration is expected to be unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan later this year for the annual summit.
In their discussions, India and Japan addressed the growing assertiveness of China in the South and East China Seas and agreed to explore security and defense cooperation with third countries to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. “A free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is a top priority for both our countries. We explored coordinating our security and development assistance where our interests align,” said Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. He also announced plans for India to open a new consulate in Fukuoka.
During their third 2+2 meeting, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside their Japanese counterparts Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara, discussed various regional and global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order based on the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. They stressed the importance of avoiding unilateral changes to the status quo.
The joint statement condemned cross-border terrorism without specifically naming Pakistan. It called for action against all UN-listed terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), emphasizing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, cut off financing, and prevent the cross-border movement of terrorists.
Jaishankar highlighted the resolve of both countries to combat terrorism, including cross-border threats. “We discussed enhancing our cooperation on capacity-building, especially in addressing cyber threats and the misuse of digital technologies,” he added.
