US, India, Japan Hold First Trilateral Ministerial Dialogue

In Uncategorized
October 1, 2015

Amid China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, India, Japan and the United States at their first-ever trilateral ministerial dialogue held in New York, called for a peaceful settlement of disputes, freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce including in that area. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Points to Note

The three countries also agreed to work together to maintain maritime security through greater collaboration while highlighting the growing convergence of their interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
The three sides agreed to convene an experts-level group on humanitarian assistance and disasters relief to enhance ability to respond jointly to complex disasters.
Sushma Swaraj announced that India would like to work with the United States and Japan for its early membership of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
It was also agreed that the 3 would work towards increasing skill development among women and look for avenues of cooperation in the field of women empowerment.
India and US also welcomed Japan’s participation in the 2015 Malabar exercise.
Representing a quarter of the world’s population and economic production power, the three countries highlighted their shared support for peace, democracy, prosperity, and a rules-based international order.