External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Japan, H.E. Takeshi Iwaya, on January 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This meeting marked their second engagement, following discussions held on November 26, 2024, during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Italy.
The discussions focused on evaluating key areas of bilateral cooperation across political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people domains. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction with the depth and momentum of India-Japan ties and emphasized the importance of maintaining strategic communication through regular engagements, including the Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers. As part of this effort, Dr. Jaishankar extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Iwaya to visit India.
Highlighting the 40th anniversary of the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology Cooperation between the two nations in 1985, the Ministers announced 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation Exchange. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation, and technology, as well as promote educational and skill development exchanges.
The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between India and Japan, rooted in shared values, mutual trust, and a common vision for regional peace and stability. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the comprehensive India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership.