On January 19, 2025, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Washington DC. This was their second face-to-face meeting, following a previous encounter at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Italy in November 2024.
During their discussions, the ministers reviewed progress in their bilateral cooperation, focusing on political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges. They expressed satisfaction with the current pace of collaboration and emphasized the importance of regular strategic communication through mechanisms like the Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers.
A significant highlight was the announcement of the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their Science & Technology cooperation agreement. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing efforts in these fields over the next year.
The meeting also underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges, particularly in technology, education, and skill development. The Indian community in Japan, especially in Tokyo's Nishikasai area, continues to grow, with over 40,000 Indians residing in Japan and many pursuing higher education.
The relationship between India and Japan is deeply rooted in mutual trust and shared democratic values. Historical figures like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore have played significant roles in strengthening this bond, which extends beyond governmental ties to cultural exchanges.
S Jaishankar is India's External Affairs Minister. He is responsible for managing India's foreign relations and international diplomacy.
Takeshi Iwaya is Japan's Foreign Minister. He handles Japan's international relations and represents Japan in discussions with other countries.
Washington DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is where many important government buildings and international meetings take place.
This is a special year dedicated to celebrating and enhancing the collaboration between India and Japan in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. It marks 40 years of their partnership in these areas.
People-to-people exchanges refer to interactions and visits between the citizens of two countries. These exchanges help in building friendships and understanding between different cultures.
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