New Delhi: In a speech at the Nikkei Asia 2024 Future of Asia Forum on ‘India’s Role in an Uncertain World,’ External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of cooperation and coordination among countries, particularly in Asia. He highlighted India and Japan’s partnership in efforts toward reformed multilateralism, including United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, as well as their cooperation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). India has been advocating for reforms in the UNSC and seeking a permanent seat on the Security Council.
Jaishankar stressed the visibility of multipolarity in today’s world and India’s belief in moving forward through engagement and dialogue, multipolarity, and reformed multilateralism. He underlined the necessity of a free, open, safe, secure, peaceful, prosperous, and stable Indo-Pacific for global peace, security, and prosperity. Additionally, he emphasized the strong relationship between India and Japan and the need to de-risk the international economy, promote resilient supply chains, and enhance trust and transparency in the digital domain.
Furthermore, Jaishankar highlighted the alignment between India’s Act-East Policy, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision, as well as their shared support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. He also mentioned the common interest in creating market-based and multilateral connectivity flows and exploring opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.
Finally, Jaishankar emphasized the need to build defense cooperation, commit to supporting peaceful dispute resolution, and respect international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also touched upon the diverse areas covered by the bilateral partnership between India and Japan, such as industrial competitiveness, clean energy, digital partnership, semiconductor supply chains, infrastructure development, energy, space, food processing, science and technology, healthcare, wellness, and research and development.