First-ever US-India-Japan Trilateral Ministerial dialogue held

The first-ever US-India-Japan Trilateral Ministerial dialogue was held on 29 September 2015. It was held on the sidelines of the 70th UN General Assembly session in New York.

The trilateral meet was attended by the Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

During the meet, the foreign ministers of Japan, the United States and India agreed to coordinate policies in addressing China's increasing maritime activities.

Highlights of the dialogue
• The three leaders agreed that the rule of law should be observed and that disputes should be settled peacefully to maintain peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
• They also agreed to launch a trilateral meeting of experts to enable joint rescue and relief efforts in the event of major disasters.
• The three countries agreed to work together to maintain maritime security through greater collaboration.
• They also underscored the importance of international law and peaceful settlement of disputes, freedom of navigation and over flight and unimpeded lawful commerce, including in the South China Sea was also underscored.
• They expressed interest in exploring trilateral cooperation on women's skill enhancement and economic empowerment to further social and economic development.

Besides, the three ministers also launched an experts-level group on regional connectivity to identify collaborative efforts that can help strengthen regional connectivity, including between South and Southeast Asia. This was done with an aim to capitalise on collective capacities in promoting regional economic linkages.

Next meeting will be held on assisting infrastructure development in South and Southeast Asia.

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