The recent visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to India aimed at strengthening economic security cooperation between the two nations. In meetings on May 26, both Motegi and India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, engaged in comprehensive discussions to enhance bilateral ties and address various international issues.

Delighted to welcome FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan to New Delhi today.

Held wide – ranging discussions on various facets of our cooperation including economic security, trade, energy, supply chain resilience, shipping, technology & innovation and people to people ties.

Also… pic.twitter.com/pzgzZtmsUD

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 25, 2026

Motegi articulated Japan’s updated vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” and underscored the necessity for close collaboration between Japan and India to realise this vision. The two Ministers expressed mutual expectations for effective cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).

A statement from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the agreement between the Ministers to expedite initiatives that support economic security. This includes bolstering supply chain resilience for critical materials and fostering growth through investment and innovation across both public and private sectors.

Emphasis on Defence and Security Collaboration

Furthermore, the leaders underscored the importance of advancing joint efforts in defence and security based on the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, which was revised in the previous year. They expressed commitment to various initiatives aimed at enhancing people-to-people exchanges, an essential factor in promoting cooperation across multiple sectors.

As both nations prepare to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, this anniversary serves as a timely opportunity to further these collaborative efforts. Notably, the discussions also touched on regional matters including the situations in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.

During their talks, the Ministers confirmed plans to maintain open communication in addressing challenges related to free navigation in critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. This approach aims to ensure stability in energy and critical material supplies across Southeast Asia and South Asia.

Preparation for Upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

In anticipation of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for May 27 in New Delhi, Foreign Minister Motegi highlighted the significance of the discussions that will revolve around the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region amid changes in the global order. He expressed the necessity for in-depth exchanges on matters concerning regional security and international relations.

Motegi conveyed that the Quad partners share core values and principles that underpin their cooperation in actualising the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” This meeting aims to foster deeper insights on structural changes in the international landscape, directly impacting cooperative efforts among Quad nations.

At the invitation of Dr Jaishankar, Foreign Ministers from Australia, Japan, and the United States are participating in this summit, which builds on prior engagements, including their last meeting in Washington, D.C., in July 2025. Discussions will focus significantly on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based international order, alongside evaluating advancements in critical technologies and addressing emerging security challenges.

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