Jaishankar says both countries must leverage their strengths in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, and space

 New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at the 8th India-Japan Indo-Pacific Forum on Wednesday, underscored the deepening partnership between India and Japan and its crucial role in ensuring strategic stability and global economic growth.

He noted that as two major democracies and maritime nations, both countries share a greater responsibility in maintaining a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region.

Jaishankar highlighted key collaborative initiatives such as the Next Generation Mobility Partnership, Economic Security Initiative, Joint Crediting Mechanism, Joint Declaration on Clean Hydrogen and Ammonia, and the MoU on Mineral Resources. He said these initiatives reflect the evolving and dynamic nature of the bilateral relationship, which adapts to changing global realities.

Referring to recent high-level exchanges, Jaishankar pointed out that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan and his discussions with Prime Minister Takaichi have laid the foundation for the next decade of cooperation. The eight priority pillars and investment target of 10 trillion Yen underline the ambitious scope of the partnership.

The minister also emphasised the growing importance of people-to-people ties through the Action Plan for Human Resource Cooperation and Exchange, which aims to strengthen social and cultural understanding between the two nations.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar said India and Japan must leverage their strengths in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, and space. He reaffirmed that the India-Japan partnership, rooted in trust, continues to evolve as a cornerstone for regional stability and global prosperity.

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Jaishankar’s likely to visit Canada next week  

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Canada next week, though the exact dates are yet to be confirmed, sources said. The visit coincides with the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled on November 11–12 in Ontario’s Niagara region, led by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to discuss security, prosperity, and global cooperation. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted his government’s efforts to strengthen ties with India as part of a broader Indo-Pacific strategy to reduce dependence on U.S. trade and expand economic opportunities.

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Key takeaways

* Both nations must focus on leveraging their strengths, bolstering supply chains, and investing in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy and space.

* The India-Japan partnership has evolved to meet changing global realities and now spans a wide range of areas—from defence and economic security to technology and clean energy

* The Action Plan for Human Resource Cooperation and Exchange will help foster deeper societal understanding between the two countries.