India, Japan review situation in Indo-Pacific; resolve to ramp up cooperation in third countries
The HinduPrime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Monday reviewed the evolving security scenario in the Indo-Pacific and agreed to further bolster bilateral cooperation in third countries for peace, prosperity and development in the region. Without giving specific details of the talks, the External Affairs Ministry said the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on a rules-based order. The resolve by Mr. Modi and Mr. Abe to work towards a stable Indo-Pacific comes in the midst of rising disquiet among several member countries of the 10-nation ASEAN over China’s increasing assertiveness in maritime limits in the region. In a tweet, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Mr. Modi and Mr. Abe prepared the ground for India-Japan dialogue and the annual summit in their discussion. It said Mr. Modi also congratulated his counterpart on the recent coronation of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, while Mr. Abe warmly recalled the participation of President Ram Nath Kovind in the ceremony.