New Delhi, Aug 20: Sending a strong indirect message to China, India and Japan on Tuesday emphasised the need for all countries to refrain from any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo, urging respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to the threat or use of force.
тАЬAs two democratic countries that share common values, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and strengthening rules-based international order founded on the principles of the UN Charter,тАЭ said the Joint Statement issued after the conclusion of the third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence MinistersтАЩ meeting held at the Hyderabad House on Tuesday evening.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and JapanтАЩs Defence Minister Minoru Kihara highlighted the common strategic vision of both countries towards a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, peaceful, prosperous and resilient, as part of the rules-based international order.
тАЬThe Ministers reiterated their strong support for ASEANтАЩs unity and centrality and their full support for the тАШASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)тАЩ which upholds the principles such as openness, transparency, inclusivity, a rules-based framework and respect for international law,тАЭ mentioned the statement.
It stated that the four ministers had a тАЬfrank and wide-ranging discussionтАЭ on regional and global issues focusing on the shared Indo-Pacific region, welcoming the possibilities to further enhance the bilateral security and defence cooperation following the National Security Strategy of Japan issued in December 2022 and recognised such cooperation as an important pillar of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
