S Jaishankar discusses COVID-19 situation, Quad with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa

Jaishankar tweeted: " Delighted to have a New Year conversation with Japanese FM @hayashi09615064."

"Discussed Covid situation, travel facilitation, bilateral projects, Quad, Myanmar and North Korea. Look forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations in a befitting manner," he said.

The talks come as the navies of the two countries are involved in joint maritime exercises in the Bay of Bengal as part of enhanced defence cooperation.

Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Kadmatt undertook a Maritime Partnership Exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) Ships Uraga and Hirado in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday (Jan 13).

Earlier this month, India unveiled its special logo to mark the 70 years of diplomatic relations.

The Indian logo depicts a peacock and a green pheasant, which are the national birds of India and Japan respectively.

The pheasant forms the numeral 7 with its tail and the Peacock forms the numeral 0. The logo symbolises the bond of friendship between the two countries.

To mark the 70th anniversary, a number of events are planned to be held in India and Japan throughout the year. These include cultural activities, exhibitions and seminars, covering diverse areas of India-Japan bilateral relations.

India and Japan established diplomatic relations on Apr 28, 1952.

The Japanese side had launched its logo earlier this year.

(With UNI inputs)