Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], October 27 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday held comprehensive discussions with Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, agreeing to intensify efforts to implement a joint vision for the next decade of India-Japan cooperation while exchanging views on global and Indo-Pacific developments.
“Delighted to meet FM Motegi Toshimitsu of Japan. Held wide-ranging discussions on our bilateral ties. Agreed to work closely to implement the joint vision for the next decade of our cooperation,” the EAM said in a post on X.
The two leaders also shared perspectives on regional security and strategic alignment. “Also exchanged perspectives on the global situation and our Indo-Pacific cooperation. Our conversation reflected the strength and warmth of our Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” he added.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, alongside other related summits, including the 20th East Asia Summit.
Earlier, EAM Jaishankar met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the 20th East Asia Summit. “Nice to meet PM @AlboMP of Australia on the sidelines of 20th East Asia Summit,” the EAM said in another post on X.
He also held a warm meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Haji Hasan, and discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
Taking to X, Jaishankar said, “A warm meeting with FM Mohamad Haji Hasan of Malaysia. Conveyed our best wishes for the successful ASEAN and East Asia Summits. Discussed the progress in our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on the Myanmar situation.”
In his address at the 20th East Asia Summit, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s full commitment to ensuring a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous future for the region and advancing maritime cooperation.
The EAM said that “India values EAS’s contribution to peace, progress, and prosperity” and looked forward to positive outcomes from the Summit. He also emphasized that India “fully supports” the activities and future direction of the East Asia Summit.
“We recently hosted the EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and a conclave of higher educational institutions,” Jaishankar noted.
He began his address by conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings on the occasion of the EAS’s 20th anniversary. “Conveying the warmest greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to EAS on its 20th anniversary,” he said.
Highlighting India’s focus on maritime security and connectivity, Jaishankar reaffirmed that the country’s commitment remains strong under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also announced that 2026 will be observed as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, underscoring New Delhi’s vision for a peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The 20th East Asia Summit gathered leaders from 19 countries, including ASEAN members, India, the United States, China, Japan, and Australia, to discuss regional cooperation, economic stability, and global security challenges.
Marking the summit’s 20th anniversary, leaders reviewed the progress of EAS cooperation and reflected on its achievements, focusing on strategic, political, and economic priorities to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across East Asia.
This year’s summit also featured the Presidents of Brazil and South Africa as Guests of the ASEAN Chair, recognizing their positions as the current Chairs of BRICS and the G20, respectively. Their participation underscored the growing engagement between ASEAN and other key global groupings. (ANI)
About The Author
