A Unified Stand Against Terrorism
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Japan’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nukaga Fukushiro, expressed his country’s unwavering support for India in combating terrorism. During his official visit to India, Fukushiro condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 civilians, predominantly tourists. He conveyed Japan’s full cooperation to India in its fight against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in addressing such heinous acts.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Tragic Incident
The Pahalgam attack, occurring on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Anantnag district, was a devastating act of terrorism. Five armed militants opened fire on a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to 20 others. The attackers specifically targeted Hindu tourists, with reports indicating that victims were asked to recite Islamic verses before being shot. The incident has been described as the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Japan’s Diplomatic Engagement
Fukushiro’s visit to India included bilateral talks with Indian leaders, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. During these discussions, Fukushiro reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting India in its efforts to combat terrorism. He highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including security and defence. Fukushiro also met with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, further underscoring Japan’s solidarity with India in the face of terrorism.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss broader aspects of the India-Japan relationship. Both nations expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the current target of 5 trillion Japanese yen investment set between 2022 and 2027. Discussions focused on further consolidating business and economic ties, with an emphasis on sectors such as traditional manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and green energy. The successful and timely completion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project was also highlighted as a key area of collaboration.
Shared Commitment to Counterterrorism
The India-Japan partnership in counterterrorism efforts has been a focal point in recent years. Both countries have consistently condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. In previous ministerial dialogues, India and Japan have called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and emphasized the need to eliminate terrorist financing channels and halt the cross-border movement of terrorists.
A Stronger Global Partnership
The recent developments signify a strengthening of the India-Japan partnership, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism cooperation. Japan’s unequivocal support for India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. As both countries continue to collaborate on various fronts, their shared commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.
In conclusion, Japan’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism, as demonstrated by Fukushiro’s visit and statements, marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations. The ongoing cooperation between the two nations serves as a testament to their shared values and determination to combat the global menace of terrorism.
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