Japan and India have agreed to strengthen cooperation over wide areas, including national security, economic issues and cultural exchanges.

Japan's Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held talks in Tokyo on Thursday. They agreed to step up cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region, a concept advocated by Tokyo.

India is widely seen as one of the leaders of the emerging and developing countries collectively known as the Global South. The country has been increasing its presence in the international community on the back of its economic growth.

The top diplomats agreed that the two countries share fundamental values including democracy and the rule of law.

The ministers welcomed the holding of joint exercises by Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Indian military.
They confirmed that both countries will promote defense equipment transfers and agreed to expand the possibility of cooperation in space, cyberspace and other domains.

In a joint news conference, Kamikawa said Japan places importance on the relationship with India and will work closely with the country to deepen bilateral ties.