PM Modi held bilateral talks with his counterparts in Japan, New Zealand Foreign Defense Security News

“I had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba. I'm happy to meet him just days after he became Prime Minister of Japan. Our discussions included ways to improve cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity, defense and more. Strengthening cultural ties was also discussed” Modi X- Said in a post.

Ishiba was named prime minister of Japan last week. He replaces Fumio Kishida, who resigned to make way for a new leader.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Prime Minister emphasized that its relationship with Japan, a trusted friend and strategic partner, remains a top priority.

“Improving Japan-India relations, strengthening the rule of law policy. Prime Minister @narendramodi and Japanese Prime Minister @shigeruishiba held fruitful talks on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit today. Discussions focused on deepening partnership in technology, trade, defense and security, cultural exchange and P2P,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

“The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership through enhanced cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade and investment, infrastructure development, defense and security, semiconductors, skills , culture and interpersonal relationships. -exchanges of people”, said the MEA.

Both leaders emphasized that India and Japan are essential partners for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and renewed their commitment to work together to achieve this goal, the statement said.

“The two leaders look forward to the upcoming India-Japan Annual Summit,” he added.

During his meeting with his New Zealand counterpart Luxon, PM Modi discussed cooperation in areas such as economic cooperation, tourism, education and innovation. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.

“We had an excellent meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Christopher Luxon. We value our friendship with New Zealand, bound by a commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law. Our discussions covered sectors such as economic cooperation, tourism, education and innovation.” Modi X said in a post.

“Further expansion of the partnership. Prime Minister @narendramodi met New Zealand Prime Minister @Chrisluxonmp on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit today,” Jaiswal said in another post on X.

In a statement, the MEA said the two prime ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various domains, including trade and investment, defense and security, renewable energy, education, dairy, agro-technology, sports, tourism, space. and bond between humans.

“They noted that frequent high-level contacts provided a strong boost to bilateral relations. In this context, they recalled the recent visit of the President of India to New Zealand, which was a huge success,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand's decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further enhance cooperation in multilateral forums and take India-New Zealand relations to greater heights.

Modi invited Prime Minister Lacson to visit India on a mutually convenient date, which he accepted.