Quad Diplomacy – India and Japan Expand Strategic Indo-Pacific Partnership
Quad Diplomacy – India and Japan moved to strengthen bilateral coordination during high-level talks in New Delhi, with both countries focusing on economic security, defence cooperation, and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday for delegation-level discussions aimed at deepening ties between the two nations. The meeting came ahead of the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ gathering scheduled in the Indian capital.
Focus on Indo-Pacific Cooperation
During the discussions, Japan presented its updated vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” strategy, commonly known as FOIP. According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Motegi stressed that India and Japan should play a leading role in advancing the initiative and work closely through platforms such as the Quad grouping.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region at a time of shifting global geopolitical conditions. The ministers also agreed to continue close coordination on regional and international issues affecting security and economic stability.
Economic Security and Supply Chain Resilience
A major part of the talks focused on economic cooperation and securing critical supply chains. India and Japan agreed to accelerate public and private sector collaboration in areas linked to economic security, especially in ensuring resilient supply chains for essential materials and technologies.
Officials also discussed expanding investments and promoting innovation-driven growth in both countries. The dialogue was held under the framework of the “Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade,” launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan last year.
The two governments indicated that stronger industrial cooperation and business partnerships would remain central to their long-term strategic relationship.
Defence and People-to-People Ties
The ministers also reviewed progress in defence and security cooperation based on the revised Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation signed last year. Both countries agreed to continue advancing defence initiatives while increasing strategic coordination in sensitive regional matters.
Apart from security discussions, India and Japan placed emphasis on expanding cultural and educational exchanges. Officials noted that growing people-to-people ties would help strengthen broader cooperation in trade, technology, and diplomacy.
The upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan next year is expected to provide additional opportunities for cultural programs and bilateral initiatives.
Regional Challenges Discussed
The two sides exchanged views on several regional developments, including the security situation in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. They agreed to maintain regular communication on issues linked to maritime safety and regional stability.
Special attention was given to ensuring secure and open navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important route for global energy supplies. India and Japan also discussed cooperation aimed at maintaining stable access to energy resources and critical materials across Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Quad Meeting in New Delhi
Ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Motegi said the discussions would address the future of the Indo-Pacific amid ongoing changes in the international order. In a message shared by Japan’s Foreign Ministry, he noted that Quad nations share common democratic values and support a rules-based regional framework.
The Quad meeting in New Delhi will bring together senior leaders from India, Japan, Australia, and the United States. Along with Jaishankar and Motegi, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are participating in the summit.
The discussions are expected to focus on maritime security, freedom of navigation, critical technologies, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and emerging regional security concerns. The meeting also follows the framework established during the previous Quad gathering held in Washington in July 2025.