India, Japan discuss terror, strengthen ties

Tokyo

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi in Tokyo on Thursday during their annual Foreign Secretary–Vice Minister Dialogue. Misri conveyed India’s strong stand of “zero tolerance for terrorism” and discussed deepening India-Japan strategic relations.

The Indian Embassy in Japan posted that both leaders talked about strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The meeting focused on security, economy, regional issues, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that both sides shared views on recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Misri also met Japan’s Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Hiroyuki Namazu and talked about Indo-Pacific strategic cooperation and other mutual concerns.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said India and Japan share common values like democracy, freedom, and rule of law. Defence cooperation is now a key pillar of this partnership. A stronger India-Japan defence relationship is important for keeping the Indo-Pacific free, open, inclusive, and peaceful.

Earlier the same day, an all-party Indian parliamentary team led by MP Sanjay Kumar Jha reached Tokyo. Their visit is part of India’s global diplomatic outreach known as Operation Sindoor, aimed at building support against terrorism.

Japanese leaders welcomed the delegation and strongly condemned terrorism. Japanese Minister Iwaya said terrorism is never justified and Japan will work with India to fight it. He also supported peaceful dialogue between India and Pakistan and praised their recent agreement to stop military operations.

The meetings mark stronger cooperation between India and Japan in facing global and regional security challenges.