India and Japan have taken significant steps to strengthen their strategic partnership with the launch of two key initiatives. During high-level talks in New Delhi, both nations agreed to establish an AI Dialogue and a joint working group focused on critical minerals. These moves aim to de-risk the international economy and enhance cooperation between the two major democracies.
Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue. The meeting took place in the Indian capital, where both ministers discussed a wide range of global and regional issues. Jaishankar described their Special Strategic and Global Partnership as being on an upward trajectory.
"Our partnership holds immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the international economy," Jaishankar stated after the meeting. He emphasized that both countries share common interests and mutual understanding across multiple domains.
New Initiatives Announced
The two nations announced concrete measures to deepen their collaboration. First, they launched an AI Dialogue to be led by their respective foreign ministries at the joint secretary-director general level. This represents a fresh approach to their engagement in artificial intelligence.
Second, they decided to convene a Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals in early 2026. This group will focus specifically on rare earth elements and other essential minerals that are crucial for modern technologies and economic security.
Economic Security and Global Cooperation
Both ministers highlighted the importance of economic security in today's uncertain global context. They agreed that resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and addressing energy, health, and maritime security are vital priorities.
Jaishankar noted during his opening remarks, "We are leading democracies, we are the major economies of the world, and we have today not just an opportunity, but also an obligation, a duty to shape the global order."
The discussions also covered:
- Deeper economic cooperation
- Maritime security initiatives
- Supply chain resilience
- People-to-people exchanges
- Multilateral collaboration
Regional and Global Perspectives
The ministers exchanged views on Indo-Pacific developments and other regional and global matters. Jaishankar pointed out that India's vision for the Indo-Pacific aligns closely with Japan's outlook for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura confirmed that extensive deliberations took place on various global issues. The importance of the Quad grouping was also discussed during their conversations.
Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
Before his talks with Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This high-level engagement underscores the significance both nations place on their bilateral relationship.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that both ministers underlined the importance of further strengthening the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership. The private sector dialogue under the Economic Security Initiative will also be convened to enhance public-private cooperation.
The second round of the Economic Security Dialogue, led by foreign secretaries and vice ministers, is scheduled for the first half of 2026. These ongoing engagements demonstrate the commitment of both countries to building a more stable and secure global economic environment.
