The Ministry of External Affairs in Tokyo values India-Japan's strategic ties

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan arrived in Tokyo and stated that India and Japan have a Special Strategic and Global Partnership based on ancient historical ties. "Reached Tokyo this morning. Look forward to my engagements, including interaction with the Indian community. India and Japan cherish a Special Strategic and Global Partnership rooted in ancient historical ties and shared values," MoS Muraleedharan Stated on 'X'.

Muraleedharan, the Union Minister of State, is currently on an official visit to Japan. During his visit, he is expected to hold meetings with ministers, business leaders, academics, and members of the Indian diaspora. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued an official statement saying that he will be visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Oita. Additionally, he is scheduled to deliver a lecture on "India and the Emerging World" at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Oita.

India and Japan have a long history of friendship rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. They share a "Special Strategic and Global Partnership" that covers a wide range of areas of cooperation. The two countries are experiencing growing strategic convergence, with India's Act-East Policy, Indo-Pacific vision based on the principle of SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) being in synergy with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision.

India and Japan have been strengthening their relations since the turn of the millennium. In the year 2000, their relations were elevated to 'Global Partnership,' which was further upgraded to 'Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2006 and to 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2014. Since then, the two nations have been holding regular annual summits. The recent visit of MoS Muraleedharan is expected to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Additionally, last week, Muraleedharan visited Mauritius to participate in the commemoration of the 189th anniversary of the arrival of indentured labourers.

During the India-Japan Forum held in Delhi in July, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar mentioned that Japan inspires India's advancement towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Minister emphasized the natural connection between the two oceans and how it is becoming more relevant. In this context, the Quad Alliance is cited as an example of strategic imagination. The Minister also mentioned that India and Japan will collaborate on new technologies, strategies, and culture to shape the future of the international order.