India-Japan Summit Joint Statement Partnership for a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Post-COVID World
- The Prime Minister of Japan made an official visit to India from 19 to 20 March 2022 for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit.
- Both leaders reviewed the developments since the last Annual Summit and discussed wide ranging areas of cooperation.
India-Japan relations
- Special Strategic and Global Partnership with shared values and principles enunciated in the India-Japan Vision Statement issued in 2018.
- Global cooperation is required more than ever to address challenges that have become more acute.
- Highlighted commitments to working in tandem towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous world that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
- Shared the view powered by robust bilateral investment and trade flows through diversified, resilient, transparent, open, secure and predictable global supply chains.
Partnership for A Free and Open Indo-Pacific
- The significant progress made in security and defense cooperation is appreciated and reaffirms the desire to further deepen it.
- Welcomed the operationalization of the Agreement Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Indian Armed Forces.
- Commitment to continuing bilateral and multilateral exercises including "Dharma Guardian" and "Malabar".
- Acknowledged ongoing collaboration in the area of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and Robotics.
- Commitment to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region & importance of bilateral and plurilateral partnerships among like-minded countries of the region, including QUAD cooperation.
- Initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) were acknowledged.
- Reaffirmed determination to continue prioritizing the role of international law, particularly the UNCLOS and facilitate collaboration including maritime security.
- Reaffirmed the importance of UNSCR 2593 (2021) which unequivocally demands that Afghan territory not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts.
- Concerted action against all terrorist groups, including those sanctioned by the UNSC.
Partnership for Sustainable Growth in a post-COVID World
- Continue to contribute to global efforts to combat COVID-19 and to protect lives and livelihoods.
- On the outcome of COP26: various pathways for pragmatic energy transitions & constant innovation to achieving global net-zero emission.
- Japan to join the Indian-Swedish climate initiative LeadIT to promote heavy industry transition.
- “India-Japan fund-of-funds” to mobilize funds for emerging Indian start-ups.
- “India-Japan Initiative for Sustainable Development of the North Eastern Region of India”, which includes "Initiative for Strengthening the Bamboo Value Chain in the North East".
- Welcomed the opening of the Rudraksha Convention Centre in Varanasi as a symbol of India-Japan friendship.
- The operationalization of the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in January 2021.
Conclusion
- In the post COVID world there is a need to realize the importance of building upon the achievements through annual mutual visits by the leaders, and look forward to continuing such visits in the years ahead.