New Delhi (NVI): Japan today joined India in asking Pakistan to take “resolute and irreversible action” against terrorists operating from its soil as these terrorist networks posed threat to the regional security.
In their first Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) here, India and Japan also stressed on realising a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and open to all countries in the region, amidst China’s absolute claim over South China Sea.
At the meeting, the Indian delegation was headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while Japanese side was led by Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kono Taro.
A joint statement issued after the meeting said both countries called upon all countries to take resolute action in rooting out terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and eliminating financing channels and halting cross-border movement of terrorists.
They underlined the need for all countries to ensure that all territory under their control is not used to launch terror attacks on other countries in any manner.
India and Japan also emphasised the need for stronger international partnership in countering terrorism and violent extremism, including through increased sharing of information and intelligence.
The statement said Japan appreciated India’s announcement of “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” at the recent 14th East Asia Summit to create a safe, secure, stable, prosperous and sustainable maritime domain.
The Ministers exchanged views on the recent developments in the South China Sea keeping in view also the Chairman’s Statement of the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS).
In this context, the Ministers reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and over flight, unimpeded lawful commerce and peaceful resolution of disputes with full respect for legal and diplomatic processes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law.
Both countries took note of the negotiations of a Code of Conduct (COC) and urged that it should be effective, substantive, and consistent with international law, ensure freedom of navigation and must not prejudice the rights and interests of the stakeholders using the South China Sea and freedoms of all states under international law.
Both New Delhi and Tokyo also reaffirmed the importance of supporting ASEAN centrality and unity for promoting peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. They welcomed the adoption of “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)” during the 34th ASEAN Summit in Thailand in June 2019.
Acknowledging the importance of ensuring maritime safety in achieving a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific, the Ministers expressed their intention to further promote cooperation in the field of capacity building in maritime security and maritime domain awareness including through cooperation with other countries.
They welcomed the setting up of Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) by India in December 2018. The Indian side looked forward to Japanese side dispatching a liaison officer at the IFC-IOR in the near future.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress made in deepening bilateral defence cooperation last year, Japan and India agreed to make continuous efforts for holding bilateral exercises between the defence forces regularly and further expanding the same.
