The Maldives is looking for a cohesive strategy for its Indo-Pacific engagement such that it can "benefit our own development priorities", the spokesperson for the Maldives President has said. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, spokesperson Ibrahim Hood said, "We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities."

The spokesperson also talked about ties with India, saying, "As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements."&nbsp;

Ties between the 2 countries have grown under the present President Solih administration with increased high-level visits. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited the country in early November. New Delhi is involved in a number of infra projects in the country and has extended support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

WION: How does the Maldives see its partnership with India in 2020? 
Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives continues to cherish the excellent partnership we have with India. Since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn into office, his administration has made a determined effort to improve the Maldives’ relationships the world over and with its immediate neighbours in particular. As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements. During the first two years of this Administration’s time in office the Maldives and India have exchanged several high-level visits including State visits by President Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the course of these engagements, we have expanded cooperation on all spheres, from fisheries and trade to tourism, healthcare and regional defence. Our ties with India cannot be limited to governmental interactions alone. Large communities of Maldivians call India a second home. In turn, the Maldives hosts a significant population of Indian expatriates. The cultural influence that India exerts on the Maldives through mediums such as Bollywood is immense, and the civilizational and cultural ties that bind our two countries together run deep. Complemented by our two governments’ determination to maintain friendly relations, these factors will keep the Maldives-India relationship strong and enduring.&nbsp;

WION: How has India helped the Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic? 
Ibrahim Hood: India’s timely and generous assistance throughout the pandemic helped enhance the Maldives’ healthcare capacity, reduced the strain on our economy and increased the efficiency of our response to the disease. Through operation Sanjeevani they airlifted over six tons of essential medicines to the Maldives and sent a medical team to assist us with our health response. Prime Minister Modi’s early initiative to establish a South Asian Covid-19 fund to be used as a common resource to help the region combat the pandemic was also of great help to us. In addition to direct medical assistance, India has also provided us with support to help allay the indirect challenges of the disease, especially economic ones. They have provided us with budgetary support and set up lines of credit which have helped us shore up our foreign currency reserves. We cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for us. &nbsp;

WION: How are both countries working together on regional security in the Indian Ocean? 
Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives has always maintained the firm belief that the Indian ocean should be a zone of peace. The best way to do this is through increased cooperation amongst all stakeholders. All Indian Ocean States have a common interest in addressing the current drivers of regional insecurity from terrorism, to narcotics and human smuggling, to Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, which diminishes our food security, to natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, which seriously endanger our populations, economies and physical infrastructure. These issues cannot be resolved unilaterally, and all South Asian States must cooperate on such things as intelligence sharing, monitoring the Indian ocean’s vast EEZs and ensuring the safety and security of its Sea Lanes of Communication. That is why the Maldives has joined regional organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which strive to resolve these issues collectively.

WION: How do India and Maldives plan to work on issues such as connectivity? 
Ibrahim Hood: The South Asian region is one of the least integrated regions in the world. This is costing our populations. For instance, intraregional trade within South Asia is estimated to be 5% of our collective GDP compared to 25% for ASEAN countries. Reducing trade barriers between our countries could potentially raise billions of dollars for our economies. Furthermore, as I have alluded to in my answer to the previous question, South Asia faces a set of common challenges which can only be overcome by the region’s countries working together. The governments of both India and Maldives recognize these facts, which is why we have strengthened our bilateral partnerships with each other and with the rest of South Asia, and why we committed to strengthening the capacity of important regional bodies such as SAARC and IORA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

 
WION: How do you see the Indo-Pacific concept? Do you support this concept? 
Ibrahim Hood: As Japan’s former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo famously expressed during his remarks while addressing India’s Lok Sabha and referring to the increasing linkages between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, there is now a salient ‘confluence between the two seas’. The Indian and Pacific region together are now at the heart of international relations; together, they comprise a region that stretches from the West coast of the United States to the Western shores of India. Contributing to 2/3rds of the global GDP growth, home to several major world powers, six of which possess nuclear weapons and containing over half of the world’s population, the region’s centrality to global geopolitics is unquestionable. That the Indian and Pacific oceans should be recognized as a single political construct is increasingly recognized by the world’s great powers. For instance, that is why the United States has combined their previously separate Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean fleets into a single Indo-Pacific fleet. As an island nation centrally located in the Indian Ocean, sitting astride several important sea lines of communication (SLOCS) linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Maldives must have a cohesive strategy regarding our Indo Pacific engagement, in terms of making use of the increased geopolitical attention given to this region, and making use of that to benefit our own development priorities. We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities.

The Maldives is looking for a cohesive strategy for its Indo-Pacific engagement such that it can "benefit our own development priorities", the spokesperson for the Maldives President has said.

The Maldives is looking for a cohesive strategy for its Indo-Pacific engagement such that it can "benefit our own development priorities", the spokesperson for the Maldives President has said. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, spokesperson Ibrahim Hood said, "We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities." The spokesperson also talked about ties with India, saying, "As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements." Ties between the 2 countries have grown under the present President Solih administration with increased high-level visits. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited the country in early November. New Delhi is involved in a number of infra projects in the country and has extended support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. WION: How does the Maldives see its partnership with India in 2020? Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives continues to cherish the excellent partnership we have with India. Since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn into office, his administration has made a determined effort to improve the Maldives’ relationships the world over and with its immediate neighbours in particular. As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements. During the first two years of this Administration’s time in office the Maldives and India have exchanged several high-level visits including State visits by President Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the course of these engagements, we have expanded cooperation on all spheres, from fisheries and trade to tourism, healthcare and regional defence. Our ties with India cannot be limited to governmental interactions alone. Large communities of Maldivians call India a second home. In turn, the Maldives hosts a significant population of Indian expatriates. The cultural influence that India exerts on the Maldives through mediums such as Bollywood is immense, and the civilizational and cultural ties that bind our two countries together run deep. Complemented by our two governments’ determination to maintain friendly relations, these factors will keep the Maldives-India relationship strong and enduring. WION: How has India helped the Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic? Ibrahim Hood: India’s timely and generous assistance throughout the pandemic helped enhance the Maldives’ healthcare capacity, reduced the strain on our economy and increased the efficiency of our response to the disease. Through operation Sanjeevani they airlifted over six tons of essential medicines to the Maldives and sent a medical team to assist us with our health response. Prime Minister Modi’s early initiative to establish a South Asian Covid-19 fund to be used as a common resource to help the region combat the pandemic was also of great help to us. In addition to direct medical assistance, India has also provided us with support to help allay the indirect challenges of the disease, especially economic ones. They have provided us with budgetary support and set up lines of credit which have helped us shore up our foreign currency reserves. We cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for us. WION: How are both countries working together on regional security in the Indian Ocean? Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives has always maintained the firm belief that the Indian ocean should be a zone of peace. The best way to do this is through increased cooperation amongst all stakeholders. All Indian Ocean States have a common interest in addressing the current drivers of regional insecurity from terrorism, to narcotics and human smuggling, to Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, which diminishes our food security, to natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, which seriously endanger our populations, economies and physical infrastructure. These issues cannot be resolved unilaterally, and all South Asian States must cooperate on such things as intelligence sharing, monitoring the Indian ocean’s vast EEZs and ensuring the safety and security of its Sea Lanes of Communication. That is why the Maldives has joined regional organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which strive to resolve these issues collectively. WION: How do India and Maldives plan to work on issues such as connectivity? Ibrahim Hood: The South Asian region is one of the least integrated regions in the world. This is costing our populations. For instance, intraregional trade within South Asia is estimated to be 5% of our collective GDP compared to 25% for ASEAN countries. Reducing trade barriers between our countries could potentially raise billions of dollars for our economies. Furthermore, as I have alluded to in my answer to the previous question, South Asia faces a set of common challenges which can only be overcome by the region’s countries working together. The governments of both India and Maldives recognize these facts, which is why we have strengthened our bilateral partnerships with each other and with the rest of South Asia, and why we committed to strengthening the capacity of important regional bodies such as SAARC and IORA. WION: How do you see the Indo-Pacific concept? Do you support this concept? Ibrahim Hood: As Japan’s former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo famously expressed during his remarks while addressing India’s Lok Sabha and referring to the increasing linkages between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, there is now a salient ‘confluence between the two seas’. The Indian and Pacific region together are now at the heart of international relations; together, they comprise a region that stretches from the West coast of the United States to the Western shores of India. Contributing to 2/3rds of the global GDP growth, home to several major world powers, six of which possess nuclear weapons and containing over half of the world’s population, the region’s centrality to global geopolitics is unquestionable. That the Indian and Pacific oceans should be recognized as a single political construct is increasingly recognized by the world’s great powers. For instance, that is why the United States has combined their previously separate Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean fleets into a single Indo-Pacific fleet. As an island nation centrally located in the Indian Ocean, sitting astride several important sea lines of communication (SLOCS) linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Maldives must have a cohesive strategy regarding our Indo Pacific engagement, in terms of making use of the increased geopolitical attention given to this region, and making use of that to benefit our own development priorities. We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities.

Indo-Pacific engagement should benefit development priorities: Maldives President Spokesperson

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month.

Sources told WION, both sides, "exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges and discussed our shared concerns and interests including stability and security in Asia, and how best that can be ensured".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-sign-beca-military-pact-with-us-338112" hreflang="en">India to sign BECA military pact with US</a>

This is the second meeting between the 2 ministers in a months' time and comes amidst Chinese aggressiveness not only with India but with other countries in the region. Both also had an in-person meeting earlier this month on the sidelines of the QUAD --India, US, Japan and Australia foreign minister meet in Tokyo, Japan.

Other focus areas of discussions were&nbsp;maritime security, open connectivity and resilient supply chains.&nbsp;During the meet, US Secretary of state&nbsp;shared with EAM the Trump Administration’s thinking on Afghanistan with the latter highlighting "India’s stakes and its continuing concern that decisions should be made by Afghans themselves without the use of force", sources added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-mark-esper-discuss-joint-service-cooperation-in-bilateral-meet-338063" hreflang="en">Rajnath Singh, Mark Esper discuss joint service cooperation in bilateral meet</a>

New Delhi also made, "clear that cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable." This even as India has called on Pakistan to take action on terror safe havens it has been hosting, something that has gone deaf ears in Islamabad.&nbsp;

This is the fourth time US Secretary of the state is visiting India under Trump administration and how the closeness between the 2 countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the meet, EAM called for "supportive policies" that helps in talent flow and underlined that a "innovation partnership is central to our future".&nbsp;&nbsp;Washington has been tightening visa rules, something that has been concerning many Indians who have been going to US for jobs, education.&nbsp;&nbsp;The number of Indian students studying in the United States has increased five years in a row, doubling from 96,000 students in the 2012- 13 academic year to more than 200,000 in 2018-19.

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month.

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month. Sources told WION, both sides, "exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges and discussed our shared concerns and interests including stability and security in Asia, and how best that can be ensured". Also read: India to sign BECA military pact with US This is the second meeting between the 2 ministers in a months' time and comes amidst Chinese aggressiveness not only with India but with other countries in the region. Both also had an in-person meeting earlier this month on the sidelines of the QUAD --India, US, Japan and Australia foreign minister meet in Tokyo, Japan. Other focus areas of discussions were maritime security, open connectivity and resilient supply chains. During the meet, US Secretary of state shared with EAM the Trump Administration’s thinking on Afghanistan with the latter highlighting "India’s stakes and its continuing concern that decisions should be made by Afghans themselves without the use of force", sources added. Also read: Rajnath Singh, Mark Esper discuss joint service cooperation in bilateral meet New Delhi also made, "clear that cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable." This even as India has called on Pakistan to take action on terror safe havens it has been hosting, something that has gone deaf ears in Islamabad. This is the fourth time US Secretary of the state is visiting India under Trump administration and how the closeness between the 2 countries. During the meet, EAM called for "supportive policies" that helps in talent flow and underlined that a "innovation partnership is central to our future". Washington has been tightening visa rules, something that has been concerning many Indians who have been going to US for jobs, education. The number of Indian students studying in the United States has increased five years in a row, doubling from 96,000 students in the 2012- 13 academic year to more than 200,000 in 2018-19.

Pompeo-Jaishankar discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan

Four countries have one agenda to stop China's efforts to dominate the Indo-Pacific. China's expansionism threat is not new and neither the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral alliance between India, Australia, United States and Japan.

However, in the past, the group has been shy of openly declaring its intentions.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-the-quad-a-lost-opportunity-333008/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-is-an-idea-whose-time-has-come-but-ideas-need-implementation-333013">Quad is an idea whose time has come. But ideas need implementation</a>

The group met for the first time in 2017 and a few years before this these countries had joined hands for ad hoc relief operations after the 2004 tsunami.&nbsp;

The prime ministers of India, Japan, Australia met with the then US Vice President Dick Cheney.&nbsp;

The first 'Quad' summit happened on the sidelines of the ASEAN Forum.

Since then, the idea of the alliance has been around, made news, but fallen short of taking any substantive action.&nbsp;

A decade later, though, the alliance was resurrected in 2017 and the members of 'Quad' had a working-level meeting.&nbsp;

And now, amid the pandemic, the foreign ministers have met in Tokyo, which reflects a clear sense of purpose, an urgency to take a harder stand against China.&nbsp;

America is not mincing words on China and Australia has named the Asian giant as a threat in its strategic assessment.&nbsp;

Australia's department of defence has said that China is engaged in active pursuit of "greater influence in the Indo-Pacific".&nbsp;

India has already locked in a border standoff with China and since May, New Delhi has imposed curbs on Beijing's investments.

More than 100 Chinese apps have been banned in India.&nbsp;

And, Japan's territorial disputes in the East China Sea have flared up again.&nbsp;

Japan was the country that proposed this alliance and now it has become the host for the meeting of the group's foreign ministers.

<h2>What will the 'Quad' do?</h2>

The US wants the alliance to have a clear military dimension.&nbsp;

Reports suggest Washington is considering inviting air forces of the group's allies for training at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam

The Guam base is a key US military facility in the Pacific and may also be China's first target if hostilities escalate between the two countries.&nbsp;

Last month, the Chinese Air Force released a propaganda video that simulated an attack on the base. But eagle-eyed fact-checkers were quick to point out how Chinese stole clips from Hollywood movies to make this fake video.&nbsp;

In recent months, China has made its intentions clear. It is indulging in more fights and staking a claim on more territories.&nbsp;

The time is right for all the four nations to move beyond being a symbolic alliance.&nbsp;

It must set out clear objectives and each ally must commit to tangible contributions.&nbsp;

They could start by naming China as the common enemy first.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Four countries have one agenda to stop China's efforts to dominate the Indo-Pacific. China's expansionism threat is not new and neither the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral alliance between India, Australia, United States and Japan.

Four countries have one agenda to stop China's efforts to dominate the Indo-Pacific. China's expansionism threat is not new and neither the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral alliance between India, Australia, United States and Japan. However, in the past, the group has been shy of openly declaring its intentions. Watch | Also read | Quad is an idea whose time has come. But ideas need implementation The group met for the first time in 2017 and a few years before this these countries had joined hands for ad hoc relief operations after the 2004 tsunami. The prime ministers of India, Japan, Australia met with the then US Vice President Dick Cheney. The first 'Quad' summit happened on the sidelines of the ASEAN Forum. Since then, the idea of the alliance has been around, made news, but fallen short of taking any substantive action. A decade later, though, the alliance was resurrected in 2017 and the members of 'Quad' had a working-level meeting. And now, amid the pandemic, the foreign ministers have met in Tokyo, which reflects a clear sense of purpose, an urgency to take a harder stand against China. America is not mincing words on China and Australia has named the Asian giant as a threat in its strategic assessment. Australia's department of defence has said that China is engaged in active pursuit of "greater influence in the Indo-Pacific". India has already locked in a border standoff with China and since May, New Delhi has imposed curbs on Beijing's investments. More than 100 Chinese apps have been banned in India. And, Japan's territorial disputes in the East China Sea have flared up again. Japan was the country that proposed this alliance and now it has become the host for the meeting of the group's foreign ministers. What will the 'Quad' do? The US wants the alliance to have a clear military dimension. Reports suggest Washington is considering inviting air forces of the group's allies for training at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam The Guam base is a key US military facility in the Pacific and may also be China's first target if hostilities escalate between the two countries. Last month, the Chinese Air Force released a propaganda video that simulated an attack on the base. But eagle-eyed fact-checkers were quick to point out how Chinese stole clips from Hollywood movies to make this fake video. In recent months, China has made its intentions clear. It is indulging in more fights and staking a claim on more territories. The time is right for all the four nations to move beyond being a symbolic alliance. It must set out clear objectives and each ally must commit to tangible contributions. They could start by naming China as the common enemy first.

Quad: A potential force to counter China needs to move beyond symbolism

To counter China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, India, the US, Japan and Australia's collective alliance known as 'Quad' agreed to increase coordination for the creation of a free and open Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Japan said the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne affirmed bolstering a free, open and rules-based international order in a statement released after the meeting in Tokyo.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-quad-fms-meet-jaishankar-calls-for-respect-for-territorial-integrity-and-sovereignty-332905">At Quad FMs meet, Jaishankar calls for respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty</a>

The four countries also vowed to coordinate in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the statement said as was reported by Kyodo news agency.&nbsp;

The 'Quad' meeting took place amid China's growing expansionism ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and in eastern Ladakh.

PM Suga in his address said a free and open Indo-Pacific is "widely recognised by the international community as a vision of peace and prosperity of this region," and that his administration's basic policy is to "further continue advancing our members to this end."

"The international community is facing multiple and various challenges. This is exactly why right now is the time that we must further deepen our coordination with as many countries as possible that share our vision," the Japanese PM said.&nbsp;

India's Jaishankar in his opening remarks said since all the members are vibrant and pluralistic democracy, they remain committed to "upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes."&nbsp;

"Our objective remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region," Jaishankar said.

To counter China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, India, the US, Japan and Australia's collective alliance known as 'Quad' agreed to increase coordination for the creation of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

To counter China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, India, the US, Japan and Australia's collective alliance known as 'Quad' agreed to increase coordination for the creation of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Japan said the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne affirmed bolstering a free, open and rules-based international order in a statement released after the meeting in Tokyo. Also read | At Quad FMs meet, Jaishankar calls for respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty The four countries also vowed to coordinate in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the statement said as was reported by Kyodo news agency. The 'Quad' meeting took place amid China's growing expansionism ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea and in eastern Ladakh. PM Suga in his address said a free and open Indo-Pacific is "widely recognised by the international community as a vision of peace and prosperity of this region," and that his administration's basic policy is to "further continue advancing our members to this end." "The international community is facing multiple and various challenges. This is exactly why right now is the time that we must further deepen our coordination with as many countries as possible that share our vision," the Japanese PM said. India's Jaishankar in his opening remarks said since all the members are vibrant and pluralistic democracy, they remain committed to "upholding the rules-based international order, underpinned by the rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes." "Our objective remains advancing the security and the economic interests of all countries having legitimate and vital interests in the region," Jaishankar said.

To counter China's assertiveness, Quad calls for 'free' and 'open' Indo-Pacific

The 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and Japan symbolises the deep level of mutual trust and understanding between the two countries and reflects the synergy between New Delhi's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free and open Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

Jaishankar made these remarks at the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) being held in New Delhi.

The meeting saw the participation of the Japanese Delegation led by country Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono.

Jaishankar said that the fact that Japan is the only country with which India has an annual summit mechanism and a 2+2 ministerial dialogue underscores the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with Tokyo.

Speaking in turn, Motegi said that the 2+2 ministerial dialogue between the two countries is symbolic of India's increasing importance in the Indo-Pacific and such meetings will contribute to Indo-Pacific's increasing safety and stability.

The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'.

The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their respective efforts under India's 'Act East Policy'&nbsp;and Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision'&nbsp;for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity and progress to realise a better future for the people of the two countries and the region.

The dialogue has come ahead of the summit-level meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe later in the year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and Japan symbolises the deep level of mutual trust and understanding between the two countries and reflects the synergy between New Delhi's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free and open Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

The 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and Japan symbolises the deep level of mutual trust and understanding between the two countries and reflects the synergy between New Delhi's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free and open Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. Jaishankar made these remarks at the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) being held in New Delhi. The meeting saw the participation of the Japanese Delegation led by country Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono. Jaishankar said that the fact that Japan is the only country with which India has an annual summit mechanism and a 2+2 ministerial dialogue underscores the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with Tokyo. Speaking in turn, Motegi said that the 2+2 ministerial dialogue between the two countries is symbolic of India's increasing importance in the Indo-Pacific and such meetings will contribute to Indo-Pacific's increasing safety and stability. The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their respective efforts under India's 'Act East Policy' and Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision' for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity and progress to realise a better future for the people of the two countries and the region. The dialogue has come ahead of the summit-level meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe later in the year.

2+2 dialogue reflects synergy between India's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free, open Indo-Pacific: Jaishankar

PM Modi's day-1 in Russia: Visit to shipbuilding complex, Judo championship and more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Indo-Pacific is the logical step after Act East for India.

"The Indo-pacific is not tomorrow's forecast, but yesterday's reality. The Indo-Pacific naturally means different things to different powers, but it is undeniably a priority for all of them. For India, it is the logical step after Act East and a break out from the confines of South Asia," Jaishankar said during his address at the Indian Ocean Conference.

"For Japan, the movement into the Indian Ocean is the key to its strategic normalisation. For the United States, a unified theatre, aggressive burden-sharing requirements... and the stakes are high for China as well because its naval capabilities are indeed a prerequisite to its emergence as a global power. The ASEAN is the latest to make its move in this regard and it has tabled an approach on the Indo-Pacific as well," he continued.

"What we can no longer doubt that this is unquestionably the era for the contemporary version of the Great Game where multiple players with diverse ambitions display their strategic skills," said the EAM.

"The Indo-Pacific may be a fashion as a strategic concept right now, but the fact is it has been an economic and cultural reality for centuries. after all Indian and Arabs have left their imprint all the way up to the eastern coast of China. In fact, this reality is not remote at all and the seamlessness of waters only sharpens the appetite of western powers who enter it," he added.

"The British empire operated its own version of the Indo-Pacific even if it was not free or open. Its visualisation of both resources and interests was a cross integrated zone explaining many of the events of the 19th and 20th century. Other powers, in turn, followed the approach of the dominant one. If Indian troops fought in the Boxer Rebellion of 1901, the Japanese marines too intervened in Singapore in 1950. And not least it was the enormous logistical effort from India by the Anglo-American alliance that sustained China in its war against Japan after 1942," the EAM said.

"Strengthening a sense of extended neighbourhood is part of India's reclaiming of history. Its cultural basis is so visible that it needs little affirmation whether it is Southeast Asia, Gulf or Central Asia," Jaishankar also stated.

"Even its economic bases are now strengthening as trade, investment and mobility make an impact. What it lacks is that connectivity underpinning that was disrupted seven decades ago. As our connectivity, vision, and capabilities expand this critical road (Indian Ocean) can be played once again," he said.

"Giving the steady externalisation of its economy, and the shifting focus towards the East, India cannot remain unaffected by developments that impinge on the freedom of navigation or of overflight. The conceptual justification, therefore, centres around the expanding interests of India. It is buttressed by its self-perception as a rule-abiding power that contributes positively to global commerce," the EAM added.

"Given that its core interests are in the Indian Ocean, a presence beyond also contributes to ensuring a peaceful periphery. Since maritime activity has such a profound impact on overall equations, India's participation goes some way in contributing to a stable balance of power in Asia. While much of this advocacy would focus on the expansion of its interests, the fact remains that where India can really make a difference is in the Indian Ocean itself," said Jaishankar.

"For India, getting its Indo-Pacific approach right rests on ensuring that it gets its Indian Ocean strategy even more correctly," he said while also shedding light on the SAGAR initiative during his address.

The EAM also threw light on India's comprehensive maritime strategy, adding that it can be best depicted through concentric circles in India's case.

"A comprehensive maritime strategy naturally has a spectrum of activities and these in India's case, are best depicted in terms of concentric circles. The core is constituted by a combination of the maritime infrastructure of the homeland, development of island assets, connectivity to immediate neighbours with littoral implications and capabilities which can be brought to bear on a daily basis," he said.

"The next circle includes the maritime space beyond India's waters and its immediate island neighbours like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles...The outermost circle takes India into the Pacific, engaging convergent interests to ensure core security while promoting stable periphery," the EAM added.

Jaishankar also talked about the Chabahar port during his address on Tuesday and outlined the sea access it can provide to Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Indo-Pacific is the logical step after Act East for India. "The Indo-pacific is not tomorrow's forecast, but yesterday's reality.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Indo-Pacific is the logical step after Act East for India. "The Indo-pacific is not tomorrow's forecast, but yesterday's reality. The Indo-Pacific naturally means different things to different powers, but it is undeniably a priority for all of them. For India, it is the logical step after Act East and a break out from the confines of South Asia," Jaishankar said during his address at the Indian Ocean Conference. "For Japan, the movement into the Indian Ocean is the key to its strategic normalisation. For the United States, a unified theatre, aggressive burden-sharing requirements... and the stakes are high for China as well because its naval capabilities are indeed a prerequisite to its emergence as a global power. The ASEAN is the latest to make its move in this regard and it has tabled an approach on the Indo-Pacific as well," he continued. "What we can no longer doubt that this is unquestionably the era for the contemporary version of the Great Game where multiple players with diverse ambitions display their strategic skills," said the EAM. "The Indo-Pacific may be a fashion as a strategic concept right now, but the fact is it has been an economic and cultural reality for centuries. after all Indian and Arabs have left their imprint all the way up to the eastern coast of China. In fact, this reality is not remote at all and the seamlessness of waters only sharpens the appetite of western powers who enter it," he added. "The British empire operated its own version of the Indo-Pacific even if it was not free or open. Its visualisation of both resources and interests was a cross integrated zone explaining many of the events of the 19th and 20th century. Other powers, in turn, followed the approach of the dominant one. If Indian troops fought in the Boxer Rebellion of 1901, the Japanese marines too intervened in Singapore in 1950. And not least it was the enormous logistical effort from India by the Anglo-American alliance that sustained China in its war against Japan after 1942," the EAM said. "Strengthening a sense of extended neighbourhood is part of India's reclaiming of history. Its cultural basis is so visible that it needs little affirmation whether it is Southeast Asia, Gulf or Central Asia," Jaishankar also stated. "Even its economic bases are now strengthening as trade, investment and mobility make an impact. What it lacks is that connectivity underpinning that was disrupted seven decades ago. As our connectivity, vision, and capabilities expand this critical road (Indian Ocean) can be played once again," he said. "Giving the steady externalisation of its economy, and the shifting focus towards the East, India cannot remain unaffected by developments that impinge on the freedom of navigation or of overflight. The conceptual justification, therefore, centres around the expanding interests of India. It is buttressed by its self-perception as a rule-abiding power that contributes positively to global commerce," the EAM added. "Given that its core interests are in the Indian Ocean, a presence beyond also contributes to ensuring a peaceful periphery. Since maritime activity has such a profound impact on overall equations, India's participation goes some way in contributing to a stable balance of power in Asia. While much of this advocacy would focus on the expansion of its interests, the fact remains that where India can really make a difference is in the Indian Ocean itself," said Jaishankar. "For India, getting its Indo-Pacific approach right rests on ensuring that it gets its Indian Ocean strategy even more correctly," he said while also shedding light on the SAGAR initiative during his address. The EAM also threw light on India's comprehensive maritime strategy, adding that it can be best depicted through concentric circles in India's case. "A comprehensive maritime strategy naturally has a spectrum of activities and these in India's case, are best depicted in terms of concentric circles. The core is constituted by a combination of the maritime infrastructure of the homeland, development of island assets, connectivity to immediate neighbours with littoral implications and capabilities which can be brought to bear on a daily basis," he said. "The next circle includes the maritime space beyond India's waters and its immediate island neighbours like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles...The outermost circle takes India into the Pacific, engaging convergent interests to ensure core security while promoting stable periphery," the EAM added. Jaishankar also talked about the Chabahar port during his address on Tuesday and outlined the sea access it can provide to Afghanistan.

Indo-Pacific logical step for India after Act East: S Jaishankar

The United States and India in Delhi on Friday held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to discuss over the diplomatic stance on the Indo-Pacific region as well as stabilizing peace in Afghanistan.

According to a press statement released by the US Embassy, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver met with Indian Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Shambhu Kumaran for an inter-sessional 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between US and India.

"The two sides discussed our strong strategic partnership and ways to advance our cooperation on critical diplomatic and security priorities, including our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and a stable and prosperous Afghanistan," the statement read.

The first round of the meeting on the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018 and focussed on the need for upholding peaceful resolution of territorial maritime disputes, promoting market-based economics, supporting good governance, fundamental rights, and liberties, and preventing external economic coercion.

The Dialogue was held between US Secretary of State Micheal Pompeo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The 2+2 Dialogue between India and the US was launched as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts, the US Embassy said in its statement.&nbsp;

The United States and India in Delhi on Friday held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to discuss over the diplomatic stance on the Indo-Pacific region as well as stabilizing peace in Afghanistan.

The United States and India in Delhi on Friday held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to discuss over the diplomatic stance on the Indo-Pacific region as well as stabilizing peace in Afghanistan. According to a press statement released by the US Embassy, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver met with Indian Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Shambhu Kumaran for an inter-sessional 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between US and India. "The two sides discussed our strong strategic partnership and ways to advance our cooperation on critical diplomatic and security priorities, including our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and a stable and prosperous Afghanistan," the statement read. The first round of the meeting on the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018 and focussed on the need for upholding peaceful resolution of territorial maritime disputes, promoting market-based economics, supporting good governance, fundamental rights, and liberties, and preventing external economic coercion. The Dialogue was held between US Secretary of State Micheal Pompeo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The 2+2 Dialogue between India and the US was launched as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts, the US Embassy said in its statement.

2+2 meeting: India, US discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan peace reconciliation

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