Russia, Indo-Pacific in focus as Japanese PM meets Modi in India
New Delhi, Mar 20 (EFE).- The Ukraine conflict and the security situation in the Indo-Pacific in the context of Chinese expansionism were in focus on Monday when Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
“I have affirmed to the prime minister (Modi) our commitment to strongly uphold the international order based on the rule of law,” Kishida, who arrived in India on Monday for a two-day official visit, said in a press statement.
Kishida’s emphasis on upholding the international order comes in the context of the G7’s attempts to pressurize Russia to end the Ukrainian conflict, as Tokyo currently holds the rotating presidency of the group.
Moscow is a historic ally of New Delhi, which has avoided a direct condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine and simply called for ending the conflict through dialog.
“This year, Japan’s presidency of G7 and India’s presidency of the G20 – as the world is standing at a turning point wrought with difficulties – what role Japan and India should play?” Kishida asked during an event alongside Modi.
The Indo-Pacific was one of the other themes highlighted by the Japanese PM, who is set to unveil, later on Monday, a new strategic plan backed by Japan and the United States to counter China’s growing geopolitical clout in this region.
The plan is also being supported by the Quad alliance, in which India is a member along with Australia.
“It gives me great pleasure to be able to unveil my new vision on the soil of India which is our indispensable partner in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Meanwhile Modi confirmed his participation in the upcoming G7 summit, set to be held in May in Japan’s Hiroshima, on an invitation by Kishida.
The Indian PM highlighted the “shared democratic values and respect for the rule of law” between the two countries, adding that he would be welcoming his Japanese counterpart during the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi in September.
Earlier this month, a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India ended without a joint declaration being released, precisely due to differences over the Ukraine war. EFE
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