India, Japan discuss maritime, counter-terrorism cooperation
New Delhi, June 19: India and Japan on Tuesday discussed cooperation in the areas of maritime security and counter-terrorism among other issues during the fifth dialogue under the 2+2 mechanism that involves and foreign and defence policies of the two sides, a statement said.
"Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of India-Japan relations and discussed issues having overlapping foreign policy and security dimensions of India-Japan cooperation and consultations," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
"Both sides reaffirmed their common desire to build on the strong foundations of bilateral cooperation and exchanges in order to forge a relationship of mutual benefit," it said.
"In this context, both sides discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in fields such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, defence equipment and technology, peacekeeping operations, etc."
India and Japan, along with the US and Australia, are part of a quad that was revived late last year that aims to work for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
India and Japan elevated their bilateral relationship to that of a Special and Strategic Global Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in 2014 for the annual bilateral summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and, according to the statement, Tuesday's meeting was held in keeping with this.
"The discussions, which also centred on important issues covering regional and global dimensions, helped to further underscore the shared values and interests between India and Japan," the statement added.
The 2+2 vice-ministerial dialogue was led by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra on the Indian side while the Japanese side was led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori and Vice-Minister of Defence for International Affairs Ro Manabe.
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Shipping authority says 3 Indian seafarers killed in Middle East; issues advisory
New Delhi (PTI): At least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels were killed and one was injured in the Middle East region, the Directorate General of Shipping said on Tuesday as it issued an advisory for maritime operators to assess voyage-specific risks, amid escalated military actions involving the US, Israel and Iran that threaten disruptions of major trade routes.
"There have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign-flagged vessels," the Directorate General of Shipping said.
On Tuesday, American and Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Iran since killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday. Tehran and its allies have hit back against Israel, neighbouring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world's production of oil and natural gas.
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President Donald Trump on Monday said the US has "the capability to go far longer" than its projected four-to-five-week time frame for its military operations against Iran.
In an advisory, the Directorate General of Shipping said it is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas.
It said the threats of the recent geopolitical developments included missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and other maritime security concerns.
Stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk assessments, and vessels operating in the region have been advised to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness, and report any suspicious activity immediately, with transit through high-risk areas to be reviewed by operators based on prevailing conditions, the shipping authority said.
About the incident involving Indian seafarers, the Directorate said the remaining crew members on board are safe and secure, and the Directorate, as well as other authorities, are maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure their continued safety, well-being and timely support.
All necessary support, assistance and facilitation are being extended to the affected seafarers and their families, it added.
The directorate further said that it has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight, real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency and 24X7 monitoring.
"Mandatory reporting protocols have been prescribed for vessels, owners and managers, and close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, IFC-IOR, MRCC and Indian Missions," it said.
Shipping companies have also been advised to exercise due caution in crew deployment and to maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.
The Directorate said a dedicated 'quick response team' has also been formed to ensure timely coordination among all concerned authorities, enable immediate response to emerging situations, and facilitate prompt assistance and support to Indian seafarers and their families.
