In a rapidly shifting landscape of the Indo-Pacific geo-politics, the relationship between India and Japan has emerged as a cornerstone of regional stability and cooperation. The partnership between these two Asian nations has shared democratic values and strategic interests that have grown exponentially over the past decade. The relationship has evolved into what both nations now term a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership.” As the world grapples with economic uncertainties, security challenges and ongoing recalibration of global power dynamics, the India-Japan alliance continues to gain momentum, thus offering a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and a model for mutual growth and cooperation in the region.
Although the roots of the present-day India-Japan can be traced back to the early 2000s. The cooperation was really sparked by the convergence of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and the “Act East” policy of the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respectively. Under the course of the PrimeMinisterships of Fumio Kishida and Modi, the convergence of policies intensified and the collaboration between India and Japan continued to grow in several areas, including economy, cultural exchanges, defence and security.
Strategic Front
On the strategic front, India and Japan have made significant strides in recent years. They have strengthened their defence ties through regular joint military exercises, such as the Malabar Naval exercise, which also included the United States and Australia as a part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). These exercises not only enhance interoperability between the armed forces but also send a strong message about the collective commitment of maintaining the rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, India and Japan have signed key defence agreements, including the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) in 2020, which allows for reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the armed forces. This agreement has paved the way for closer operation and logical support crucial for maintaining regional security. The two countries have been exploring possibilities for defence technologies and joint production of military equipment, a move that may push both nations towards greater self-reliance in the field of defence manufacturing, which is essential for both nations in order to boost their security around them.
Economic Front
Economic cooperation is another vital pillar of the India-Japan relationship. Japan has been a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI) and development assistance for India’s infrastructure projects. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Project, popularly known as the bullet train project, stands as a symbol of this cooperation. Despite facing challenges and delays, the project represents the shared vision of both countries for modernising India’s transportation infrastructure. In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify economic engagement beyond traditional areas. Both nations are exploring collaborations in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G and quantum computing.
The India-Japan Digital Partnership launched in 2018 aimed to leverage Japan’s technological advancement with India’s IT skills and startup ecosystem to drive innovation and create new economic opportunities. Furthermore, Japan has been actively supporting India’s efforts to improve its manufacturing capabilities through initiatives like Japan Industrial Township (JITs). This township is spread across various Indian states aimed to create an ecosystem for Japanese companies to invest in India by contributing to the make in India initiative. The success of this project could potentially position India as an alternative manufacturing hub in Asia, offering a counterpoint to a China-centric supply chain.
Energy cooperation has emerged as another crucial area of collaboration. As both countries have to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance energy security, they have been working together on clean energy initiatives. Japan’s expertise in energy and efficient technologies and India’s ambitious, renewable energy targets have created synergies for collaboration in solar power, hydrogen, fuel cells and other green technologies. The India-Japan Energy Dialogue serves as a platform for discussing and implementing joint projects in this sector.
Not a smooth road
However, the India-Japan relationship is not without its challenges. Economic partnership, while growing, has yet to reach its full potential. Efforts to boost bilateral trade through mechanisms, such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Agreement (CEPA) , highlighting the need for more targeted approaches to economic cooperation. Moreover, while there is strategic convergence in several areas, differences in approach do exist. India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war has been more neutral. Japan’s strong support for Ukraine has been a point of divergence. However, both nations have managed to navigate these differences diplomatically, focusing on areas of agreement rather than discord.
Looking ahead, the India-Japan partnership faces both opportunities and challenges in the evolving global order marked by US-China rivalry, and the rise of economic nationalism, presenting new avenues for cooperation. Both countries are key players in emerging multilateral frameworks like Quad and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), which aim to create resident and secure supply change in the Indo-Pacific region. Climate change and sustainability offer yet another arena for deeper engagement. As signatories to the Paris Agreement and proponents of the International Solar Alliance, India and Japan can lead by example in the global fight against climate change. The Initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and disaster resilience could serve as models for other countries in the region.
In conclusion, the India-Japan relationship stands at a crucial juncture. What India and Japan are as a partner of convenience has evolved into a comprehensive strategy alignment that spans multiple domains. As both nations navigate the complexities of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape, their partnership offers a vision of cooperation that goes beyond narrow interests to encompass regional stability and global well-being. As India and Japan continue to spend in their bonds. They do not only enhance their own national interest but also contribute significantly to the peace, prosperity, and civility of the Pacific region and beyond. The success of this partnership will depend on the ability of both countries to translate their shared vision into concrete actions and tangible benefits for their people in the area of global uncertainty. The India-Japan partnership in the Indo-Pacific region stands as a beacon of demonstrating the power of democratic nations to forge alliances that can shape a more equitable and secure world order.
