Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, emphasized the significance of ‘The Raisina Roundtable’ as a representation of the special strategic partnership between Japan and India, highlighting both nations as key partners.
The inaugural edition of the ‘Raisina Roundtable,’ held in Japan earlier this month, saw the participation of thought leaders, practitioners from India and Japan, like-minded partners, and other Quad countries.
Kamikawa stressed that India is an ideal partner for Japan to collaborate with, especially in identifying solutions to challenges faced by the rising Global South.
Organized by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with ORF America, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and Keizai Doyukai, the inaugural Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo received support from Unison Capital, Nippon Steel, Suntory Ltd, and Google.
The Roundtable highlighted the strategic importance of the Quad in the Indo-Pacific region, serving as a crucial platform for consensus building on critical issues, forging new partnerships, and enhancing economic ties.
Addressing ongoing global crises, Japan’s Foreign Minister Kamikawa remarked, “The world is at a crossroads. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is significantly impacting the international order, while the situation in the Middle East is deteriorating. Additionally, climate change, food, and energy crises are global concerns. We also need to address the challenges posed by AI and misinformation. In this context, Japan aims to lead international collaboration and seek new solutions instead of fostering confrontation.”
Emphasizing the relationship between India and Japan, Kamikawa reiterated their role as key partners across three main sectors. First, India’s unique democracy is essential for addressing global divisions. Second, India contributes to stability, and prosperity, and acts as a public good, playing a crucial role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Lastly, India and Japan collaborate effectively on identifying solutions for challenges faced by the rising Global South.
During the event, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s rapid transformation, emphasizing the country’s achievements in infrastructure development, ease of doing business, digital innovation, and its role in shaping the international agenda.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a video message, praised India’s growth and leadership, especially during their respective presidencies of the G7 and G20.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” was also discussed, focusing on shared values, economic collaboration, maritime security, and a rule-based order.
The Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo delved into thematic pillars such as Geopolitics & Geo-economics, A New Development Architecture, and Achieving Green Transitions, aligning with Abe’s vision and Japan’s diplomatic efforts.
Japanese officials, including Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Ken Saito, stressed the importance of reliable partnerships like India to navigate the current global challenges and pave the way for a new era of sustainable growth and economic security.
Additionally, Google launched its Cybersecurity Center of Excellence during the Raisina Roundtable, further enhancing the partnership between Japan and India in digital innovation and security.
