India, Japan hold 2+2 ministerial dialogue, call for free, open & rules-based Indo-Pacific
Top military and civil officials from the two countries were also present.
Top military and civil officials from the two countries were also present.
During bilateral talks and the 2+2 meeting, the two sides will review the ongoing cooperation and explore new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements between the two countries.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian side while the Japanese side will be represented by Defence Minister Minorou Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin had a telephonic conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two discussed ways and means to implement the India-US Defence Cooperation Roadmap which was concluded last year.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the Indian side at the dialogue while the American delegation was headed by Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation while Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will head the American side at the dialogue.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will head the American side at the dialogue, an official statement said on Wednesday.
'China and India have the wisdom and ability to handle their differences properly,' it said.
'US will stand with India as they confront threats to their sovereignty, liberty,' US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
'Today’s discussions will add new vigour to India-US defence relations and mutual cooperation,' Rajnath Singh tweeted after his meeting with Mark T Esper.
