Endorse each other’s stance on issues

At a trilateral meeting in New York on Monday, Foreign Ministers of India, Japan and the U.S. endorsed one another’s position on key strategic issues in Asia. While India stood with the U.S. and Japan on the question of North Korea’s nuclear posture, it received support from the two on its position on the China-led One Belt, One Road project, a press release indicated.

“The Ministers emphasised the need for ensuring freedom of navigation, respect for international law and peaceful resolution of disputes... On DPRK (North Korea), the EAM (External Affairs Minister) deplored DPRK’s recent actions and stated that its proliferation linkages must be explored and those involved be held accountable,” it said.

The meeting of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono took place in the New York Palace hotel and lasted for more 30 minutes.

Ms. Swaraj, who arrived in New York on Sunday, will address the UN General Assembly on September 23. During her stay, she is expected to have 15 bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, including Mr. Tillerson.

India’s Permanent Representative to the U.S. Syed Akbaruddin said climate change, terrorism, people-centric migration and peacekeeping will among the focus areas for India this year.

Ms. Swaraj will also participate in a special panel of selected countries by the UN Secretary General on climate action.