India and Japan vow to work on strategic goals amid uncertain global situation

January 16, 2026

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM)  and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi co-chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday. The two leaders discussed cooperation in areas including the economy, maritime security, supply chains, critical minerals, technology, people-to-people (P2P) ties and multilateral engagement.

Focus on Economic, Maritime and Technology Cooperation

EAM Jaishankar said that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is on an “upward trajectory” and holds immense potential for shaping the world order while de-risking the international economy.

“Pleased to co-chair the 18th India – Japan Strategic Dialogue alongside FM Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi today. Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is on an upward trajectory and holds immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the international economy,” Jaishankar posted on X.

He added that the discussions on deeper economic, maritime, supply chain, critical mineral, technology, P2P and multilateral cooperation reflected shared interests and mutual understanding. He also noted that the two sides exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific as well as regional and global developments.

Warm Welcome and Cricket Diplomacy

Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar extended a warm welcome to the Japanese Foreign Minister. “Delighted to welcome FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan to India. As we hold the India-Japan strategic talks today, even more pleased to find a fellow cricket enthusiast in FM Motegi,” he wrote on X.

He also mentioned that he was honoured to receive a Japan national cricket team jersey from Motegi and that he gifted him a bat signed by the Indian cricket team.

Priority to Global Forums and Strategic Partnership

In his opening remarks at the dialogue, Jaishankar said that India attaches the highest priority to working with Japan in international forums such as the Quad, the United Nations and the G20.

“India attaches very great priority to its friendship with Japan, and over the last two decades, we have been successful in transforming the relationship from what was primarily an economic relationship into one that is broad, comprehensive and strategic in its focus,” he said.

He added that India and Japan work closely in platforms such as the Quad, the UN, the G4 grouping and the G20.

Indo-Pacific Vision and Shared Strategic Goals

Reflecting on the relationship, Jaishankar recalled that a Japanese Prime Minister had earlier laid the groundwork for the Indo-Pacific as a political, economic and strategic concept. He said India’s initiative of ‘Mahasagar’ aligns closely with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific outlook.

Emphasising the need for closer cooperation amid global uncertainty, he said both nations, as leading democracies and major economies, have an obligation to help shape the global order and work towards shared strategic goals.

He also noted that India and Japan will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 and reiterated that the “special, strategic and global partnership is on a continuously upward trajectory.”