As Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day Japan visit on Monday, he underscored the importance of closer India-Japan cooperation and said this partnership is a key pillar of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. "Closer India-Japan cooperation is vital in the post-COVID world. Our nations are firmly committed to democratic values. Together, we are key pillars of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. I am equally glad that we are working closely in various multilateral forums as well," he added.