The trilateral dialogue also focused on firming up strategies to combat maritime piracy and bolstering security and leveraging their strengths to shape the Asia-Pacific architecture.
The Indian delegation was led by the Joint Secretary in charge of East Asia in the external affairs ministry, Gautam Bambawale while the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake and Japan’s Deputy Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kenji Hiramatsu led their countries’ delegations.
India sought clarifications from the US about its so-called Asia pivot strategy which envisages roping in New Delhi as the lynchpin of security in the region.
“The three countries took a strategic overview of the Asia-Pacific region. They also discussed 21st ASEAN Summit slated in Phnom Penh on November 18-20 and the 9th ASEM Summit in Vientiane,” said the Spokesperson of Indian External Affairs Ministry, Syed Akbaruddin.
He said that the trilateral dialogue also discussed developmental plans for Myanmar, Afghanistan and Africa.
The last two rounds of dialogue held in Washington and Tokyo was also reviewed and it was decided to enhance cooperation to combat piracy and to expand maritime security cooperation – these issues have acquired an added urgency in view of increasing incidences of piracy off the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.
Third India-Japan-US Trilateral Meeting,
India, Japan, US discuss China’s role, Asia-Pacific architecture
Next trilateral meeting scheduled in US
ASHOK B SHARMA - 2012-10-30 08:30
New Delhi: The Third India-Japan-US Trilateral Dialogue which concluded here on Monday night deliberated on the strategic overview of the Asia-Pacific region, including India’s problem in South China Sea, Japan’s maritime issues with China, US role in the region and China’s foray in the Indian Ocean.