NHK reported on Tuesday that National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba spoke over the phone with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Tuesday for the first time since he took office last month. The network said after Indian National Security Advisor Doval congratulated Akiba on his recent appointment, the two officials exchanged views on cooperation between Japan and India, further promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, and cooperation with likeminded nations, including the Quad. They also reportedly agreed to continue to work closely together.