Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke to reporters in Tokyo on July 29 on India's relations with Japan and its foreign affairs. He also indicated that India would take a more active role in seeking a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine war. 

With regards to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he said that India does not see the use of force being a solution and called for a return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.  

S/ Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister: 
We’ve, from the very beginning, had the view that use of force does not resolve problems between countries. We believe that there must be a return to dialogue and diplomacy.  Recently, I must tell you, (Indian) Prime Minister (Modi) met (Ukrainian) President Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 in Italy. A few weeks later, we were in Moscow for our annual summit. I can reasonably expect that there will be more contacts between us and Ukraine and between us and Russia as well.

Furthermore, he highlighted the progress in defense ties with Japan as India eyes to boost domestic defense. 

S/ Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister: 
We have undertaken regular exercises involving air, naval, and ground forces. Our defense leadership holds exchanges more often. We are right now beginning to explore projects under the defense equipment and technology cooperation DTC cooperation initiative.

The minister also shared India's views on its relations with China that has soured following a border brawl in 2020. 

S/ Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister: 
Our relations with China are not doing very well. The main reason for that was that in 2020, during the COVID, China brought very large forces to the border areas between India and China, in violation of agreements that we had with China, and that created tensions.

The minister added that India hopes to improve bilateral ties with China but said it is necessary that China respects “The Line of Actual Control.”  

(Reporting by Saki Toi, Nippon TV)