India, Japan to enhance security exchange, affirm rules-based order in 2+2 meet

New Delhi, India— India and Japan have agreed to step up security cooperation amid increasing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two countries held a 2+2 ministerial meeting among foreign affairs and defense officials in New Delhi on Tuesday, Aug.20.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jainshankar discussed with his Japanese counterpart, Kamikawa Yoko, the evolving regional landscape.

"There is further complexity and volatility in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large," said Jaishankar in their joint statement.

"A free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific is the top priority for both our countries. We explored the possibility of coordinating our respective security and development assistance where our interests converge," he added.

India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based order in the region.

"Respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to the threat or use of force, and emphasized the need for all countries to refrain from any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo," the leaders stated.

The two countries are part of the multilateral group QUAD with the United States and Australia.

Last month, the QUAD ministers condemned China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea in a meeting in Tokyo.

"We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," the ministers said in the statement on July 29.

The ministers also expressed concern on the rising militarization at sea.

"We also express our serious concern about the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, the increasing use of various kinds of dangerous maneuvers, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities," the ministers added.

Jaishankar told Newswatch Plus in a briefing with Indo-Pacific journalists that QUAD's position on the South China Sea indicates the need to adhere to the rule of law.

"These are all basic principles that we commit ourselves to," he said.

He added countries need to work together to address new emerging challenges in the region particularly on the supply chains.

NewsWatch Plus Senior Correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.