Minister Jaishankar shared on social media, “Good to meet with FM Takeshi Iwaya of Japan. Reviewed the progress in our bilateral cooperation. Also discussed developments pertaining to Quad,” reflecting the cordial and constructive nature of the meeting. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation across several vital domains, including political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of continuing their regular strategic dialogues to maintain momentum in bilateral relations. They agreed on the importance of institutional mechanisms such as the Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Dialogue between Foreign and Defence Ministers to ensure consistent and effective collaboration. During the meeting, Jaishankar invited Minister Iwaya to visit India, underscoring the commitment to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation, marking the 40th anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science and Technology cooperation, which was first signed in 1985. Both ministers expressed their enthusiasm to advance mutual efforts in science and technology, with an emphasis on innovation and research partnerships in the coming year.

The bilateral talks also underscored the growing importance of people-to-people exchanges. Areas such as technology, education, and skill development were identified as critical to fostering stronger cultural and educational bonds between the two nations. This is expected to further solidify the longstanding friendship between India and Japan.

The meeting also celebrated the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the two countries. Japan’s spiritual and cultural ties to India date back to ancient times, with key historical milestones such as the consecration of the Buddha statue in Nara by Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD. Prominent Indian figures like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Subhash Chandra Bose also played pivotal roles in reinforcing the bond between the nations.

In recent years, the Indian community in Japan has seen significant growth, particularly among IT professionals and engineers. Over 40,000 Indians now live in Japan, with many pursuing higher education, including doctoral courses. The Nishikasai area of Tokyo has become a hub for the Indian community, with Indian schools established to meet the growing demand for educational resources.

This strategic meeting further solidifies the enduring and multifaceted relationship between India and Japan, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity through continued cooperation across all sectors.

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Wong emphasized the Quad’s unwavering commitment to regional stability and prosperity in a statement before attending the inauguration of President Donald Trump. “We share an unwavering commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Wong said, highlighting the significance of the Quad partnership in addressing the region’s challenges.

The visit marks a milestone in Australia’s relationship with the United States, which Wong described as “a vital ally” and “our most important strategic relationship.” She expressed the importance of strengthening this alliance, noting the US as Australia’s most significant economic partner. Wong also plans to engage with members of Congress during her visit to discuss how both nations can enhance bilateral ties.

“While in Washington DC, I will meet with members of the Trump Administration and Congress to discuss how we can expand our cooperation,” she added.

Wong’s remarks were echoed by Jaishankar, who met with her in Washington DC. “Delighted to meet FM Penny Wong, a Quad colleague, in Washington DC today. As always, enjoyed our discussion on the state of the world,” he said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

The Quad, a strategic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is focused on ensuring an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Through shared goals of resilience and inclusivity, the four nations continue to collaborate on various global and regional issues.

This visit underscores the continued importance of Quad cooperation as a key component of international diplomatic efforts aimed at securing peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

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Speaking at a press conference in Washington, DC, Wong reflected on her meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, held prior to Trump’s inauguration. She noted, “Quad Foreign Ministers are also here in DC for the inauguration. I had the opportunity to meet with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and the Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya ahead of the inauguration. We’re really pleased at the invitation extended to Quad Foreign Ministers. It’s a demonstration of the collective commitment of all countries to the Quad, an iron-clad commitment in this time where close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is so important.”

Looking ahead, Wong mentioned her plans to meet with members of the Trump administration and Congress in the coming days. “Australia is here, again, from day one to pursue our shared interests and to deliver for both our peoples,” she added, reinforcing Australia’s continued engagement with the US government.

Wong also expressed her honor at being the first Australian Foreign Minister to be invited to a US Presidential inauguration. She highlighted that Australia’s invitation to this significant event, one of only a few foreign governments to receive it, symbolized the enduring alliance between the two nations. “I am so honoured to be the first Australian Foreign Minister who has been invited to a presidential inauguration,” she said. “We are one of only a small handful of foreign governments to receive this invitation, a demonstration of the steadfast alliance between Australia and the United States, an alliance, a relationship, bound by a long history of cooperation, shared ambitions, and enduring respect between our peoples.”

As part of her visit, Wong also mentioned her intention to meet with Marco Rubio, the nominee for US Secretary of State, to discuss further enhancing the strong economic and security partnership between Australia and the United States. She emphasized the critical nature of this alliance for both countries, especially in contributing to Australia’s defense, security, and economic prosperity.

“The alliance is critical to both our nations and is critical to our region,” Wong said. “It is critical because of its contribution to Australia’s defence, Australia’s security and, of course, Australia’s economic prosperity. The US is our closest global partner. It is our most important strategic relationship.”

The Quad partnership, involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is committed to supporting a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. This cooperation aims to ensure a stable and resilient regional order, a vision shared by all four countries, as outlined by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

On January 19, Jaishankar also met with Penny Wong in Washington, DC, sharing his positive sentiments about their discussions. “Delighted to meet FM Penny Wong, a Quad colleague, in Washington DC today. As always, enjoyed our discussion on the state of the world,” he posted on social media.

The Quad alliance continues to gain prominence as a strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific, with each member nation reinforcing its commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

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