IntroductionIndia and Japan signed a peace treaty on 28th April,1952. Article 1 of this treaty defines the relationship between the two nations as one of ‘firm and p

India and Japan signed a peace treaty on 28th April,1952. Article 1 of this treaty defines the relationship between the two nations as one of ‘firm and perpetual amity.’ This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, underscoring decades of strategic partnership and mutual respect. Expanding upon this robust foundation, India-Japan relations have reached unprecedented heights, solidifying Japan as one of India’s most trusted and dependable partners.

The history of India-Japan relations is rich and enduring, rooted in strong cultural and civilizational ties. The earliest recorded interaction between the two nations occurred in 752 AD, when Bodhisena, an Indian monk, performed the sacred eye-opening ceremony for the statue of Lord Buddha at Todaiji temple in Nara. In contemporary times, notable figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sister Nivedita and Judge Radha Binod Pal, are among other Indians closely associated with Japan.

When India gained independence from the UK on 15th August,1947, Japan was among the first nations to recognize Indian sovereignty. India also assisted Japan in its post war recovery by supplying iron-ore. Japan reciprocated by 

, starting in 1958, after Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi’s visit to India in 1957.

During the Cold war era, relations between India and Japan were somewhat constrained due to bloc politics. Japan, being a close US ally, and India pursuing non-alignment policy stance, often leaned towards the Soviet Union. Nonetheless, from the 1980s onward, efforts were made to improve bilateral relations, evidenced by Japanese companies entering the Indian market and laying the groundwork for improved economic ties between the two nations.

Relation ebbed down again when India conducted Pokhran II nuclear tests, leading Japan to impose 

. These included cutting down on economic assistance and suspending political exchanges between the two nations. These sanctions were lifted three years later when Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori visited India, leading to the establishment of ‘India-Japan global Partnership.’ In 2005, PM Koizumi visited India, and the relationship was elevated to a ‘Strategic and Global Partnership.’ Later, in 2014, during Prime Minister’s visit to Japan in the second tenure of Shinzo Abe as Japan’s Prime Minister, a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ was established signifying the deepening of ties between the largest and the oldest democracies of Asia.

The multifaceted and multilevel partnership between India and Japan encompasses cooperation in various fields including but not limited to economy, defence, technology, culture, and people to people exchanges. In economic terms, the bilateral trade volume, Japan’s assistance, and infrastructure investment in India have all been rising. Two notable examples of Japanese investments in India include Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC). In 2022, during his visit to India in March, Fumio Kishida announced an investment target of 

 (Rs 3,20,000 crore) in India by 2027. India continues to be the largest recipient of Japan’s Official development Assistance (ODA).

Shared strategic interests drive the two nations to work closely for securing an Indo-Pacific which is free, open, safe, stable, peaceful and prosperous. Defense exercises (

Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise), ‘Veer Guardian’ and SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force)

, defense dialogues and technology transfer enhance the cooperation. Technological collaboration is another main aspect of the partnership, with initiatives focusing on areas such as renewable energy, digital technology, space exploration, reliable supply chains for semi-conductors and other critical technologies. India and Japan have jointly worked on projects like the High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor and the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), demonstrating their firm commitment to innovation and sustainable development. India-Japan also exchanged views in the areas of 

 relating to nuclear, chemical and biological domains, outer space security, non-proliferation issues, conventional weapons and export control at The 10th Round of India-Japan Consultations on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Export Control was held at Tokyo on 24 April, 2024.

Cultural and people-to-people contacts play a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding, trust and comfort between the two nations. Organisation like The Japan Foundation and India-Japan Association promote language exchange, academic collaborations and cultural exchange programs. Japanese animation, Anime has gained massive 

 in the recent years. Similarly, popularity of Indian mainstream movies in Japan has increased leaps and bounds.

Both India and Japan are working closely through various multilateral forums such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), ASEAN Regional Forum, East Asia Summit, G20, G4 and BIMSTEC. They collaborate closely on security and strategic issues, regional integration and economic development which underscores their mutual desire to promote peace, stability and prosperity in and beyond the region.

Role of Japan’s former Prime Minister, the late Mr. Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe played an extraordinary role in strengthening bilateral relations between India and during his tenure as the prime minister. His speech on the ‘Confluence of the Two Seas’ in the Indian parliament in 2007 not only established the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, but also underscored the importance he attached to India. Not only did economic cooperation and infrastructure development projects receive a boost, but his efforts in building personal rapport with the Prime minister Narendra Modi helped in building trust and fostering understanding between the two nations. Strategic partnerships and regional, as well as global engagement through platforms such as 

 and G4, brought the countries closer. Last but not least, Abe also stressed on cultural and people to people exchanges between India and Japan to deepen friendship between the two nations. Overall, his leadership played an instrumental role in elevating the India Japan relationship to new heights. In 2021, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award in India, for ‘excellence in public affairs.’ His legacy as a visionary leader will endure, having left an indelible mark on the India-Japan relationship and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Despite the overall positive trajectory of this bilateral relationship, several challenges exist in India-Japan relations. Firstly, trade imbalance, where Japan exports more to India that it imports, creating a trade deficit for India. Bridging this gap and realizing the untapped potential for economic cooperation is very important for both the countries. Aligning strategic interests and addressing geopolitical sensitivities in different ways is also a challenge that needs to be handled delicately. Infrastructure gaps, delays, as well as implementation issues have been a challenge. Additionally, addressing the nuances of cultural and linguistic differences, as well as differences in business cultures, and moving ahead despite these differences, pose challenges. Sustained efforts are required from both India and Japan including policy reforms, diplomatic engagement and closer cooperation across various sectors. Despite the obstacle, common values and shared strategic interests provide a solid foundation for overcoming the challenges and deepening the partnership.

Looking ahead, India and Japan can bolster their relation by prioritizing the key areas of cooperation. Enhancing economic ties by diversifying investments and trade, Expediting the implementation of infrastructure projects are imperative. Additionally, building a business environment of trust, comfort and understanding is crucial. Promoting cultural exchanges, strengthening strategic partnerships in defense and security, fostering innovation and technology collaboration will deepen mutual understanding. Moreover, joint efforts in renewable energy, environmental conservation and regional forums will contribute towards peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lastly, there is a need for both sides to realize the true importance of each other. As India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar said at the Raisina Roundtable event in Tokyo in March ‘It is important that Japan today appreciates the pace of change in India’. Development efforts, maritime security and safety have become pressing concerns. It is only through increased number of effective initiatives that the world will see how India and Japan support each other in achieving shared goals.

72nd Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between India and Japan

Japan’s Ministry of Defense released the annual white paper, 'Defense of Japan', last year, which clearly justified Japan’s revision of its pacifist stance, taking t

Japan’s Ministry of Defense released the 

, 'Defense of Japan', last year, which clearly justified Japan’s revision of its pacifist stance, taking the road to remilitarization. It also identified China as the “greatest strategic challenge” and other international security threats such as North Korea and Russia. It is well known that all three of them have been advancing their military arsenal at an alarming rate.

The recent developments in Japanese security architecture reiterate Japan’s commitment to change. Tokyo is not only building up its war machines, upgrading airports and ports but has also decided to export lethal weapons to ally nations. The island nation is expanding some of its vital infrastructure. Toward this objective, it has identified sixteen ports, 

airports to be upgraded and to serve as staging areas

 for Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDFs) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). The list includes Okinawa's Naha Airport and Kitakyushu Airport in southwestern Japan, as well as the ports of Kushiro in Hokkaido and Okinawa's Ishigaki, which lie about 230 kilometers to the east of Taiwan. Airports with longer runways and ports with more advanced facilities and quays are to act as a supply base to the Coast Guards and act as emergency hubs in an unexpected security environment. The expanded facilities on the selected locations will also aid local tourism and efforts for disaster relief.

This step is in accordance with the plan to upgrade national ports and airports as outlined in the National Security Strategy, 2022 as per which a total of 30 facilities were to be upgraded. However, this number came down to 16 due to local pushback against setting up of defense bases. Out of these 16, the Naha airport and the Ishigaki port lie close to the Taiwan strait. A region usually troubled by Chinese warships and warplanes; it is most likely to turn into a battleground if China decides to invade Taiwan. Against this backdrop, Japan seems to be building up deterrence against the Chinese threat. China has expressed its grave concerns on this policy change.

Based on its present security environment, Japan has taken another decision - to allow the export of lethal weapons to countries, other than partner countries, although under strict conditions. Such as, prior cabinet approval for these transactions, importer country to be in a defense pact with Japan and not involved in a war. This shift will pave the way for Japan to export “Tempest” fighter jet: a sixth-gen combat aircraft equipped with cutting edge technologies and supersonic capabilities; a joint project of UK, Italy and Japan, of which to be a fair part and contribute equally, Japan has decided to step up its game.

, starting in April, included a record 7.9 trillion yen for defense spending as the nation seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of regional threats. Last Friday, the Japanese government also came out with guidelines for building shelters on southwestern Okinawa islands designed to protect citizens in situation of a military crisis involving Taiwan. The government will pay for the designing as well as construction of the evacuation facilities in Sakishima islands in 

, U.S.A. and Japan are expected to announce plans related to the biggest upgrade to their security pact in over sixty years. This will entail the restructuring of the U.S. military command in Japan to send a strong strategic signal to its rivals and act as a deterrence for Japan as it dawns a greater role in regional dynamics. This announcement will be made on April 10, when Joe Biden is to host Fumio Kishida in the White House. Earlier, Japan has also decided plans to buy Tomahawk Cruise Missiles from U.S.A. It has also been planning to set up a “Joint Operations Command” in 202 to improve interoperability and co-ordination between its own branches of the Self Defense Forces (SDFs).

Indeed, Japan's resolve to transform and upgrade its defense structures is evident. However, numerous challenges stand in the way of these plans. One of the challenges is to balance public opinion and national security interests as there are varying levels of support for increased military spending and change in defense policies. Moreover, if successful in creating a positive outlook towards increasing defense spending, the lack of agreement lies on where the funds will be directed from. Other internal challenges such as an unexpected recession, hyper ageing society and record-low birth rates will demand higher social welfare related spending.

In the face of mounting threats to national security, it is imperative for any nation to expand its defense capabilities. Japan, too, perceives that increased spending on security and making itself stronger to project force beyond its borders are essential steps in meeting the defense needs in a worsening regional milieu. Through transparent communication with the public, strategic investments in technology, and through active collaboration with its allies, Japan can navigate the challenges it faces (both internally and externally) and emerge stronger. The indispensability of increased cooperation with likeminded countries, such as Australia, India, Philippines, Singapore, etc.  that share the same values cannot be overstated in this context.

Is Japan Preparing for Potential Conflict? Analyzing Defense Initiatives Amidst Regional Tensions

In the expansive stretch of the Asia-Pacific region, two nations stand as a beacon of security, solidarity and prosperity: India and Japan. Stretching across the wid

In the expansive stretch of the Asia-Pacific region, two nations stand as a beacon of security, solidarity and prosperity: India and Japan. Stretching across the wide breadth of the Indian Ocean and to the farthest extents of the Pacific, the partnership between two of the Asian giants not only transcends geographical boundaries but also embodies a shared vision of a dynamic, interconnected and hopeful future.

The saga of the intertwined destiny of the two nations unfolds as a tapestry of enduring friendship and shared aspirations. Their connection has thrived amidst the evolution of geopolitical landscapes, spanning from the ancient dissemination of Buddhist teachings along the Silk Road to contemporary cooperation in technology and trade. This connection becomes all the more significant when seen from a wider lens of international stability and equitable development, especially in the context of the common outlook on issue of peace, security and stability of the Indo-pacific or the Asia-Pacific region.

 (along with Vietnam) in Asia-Pacific for the first half of the current year, both nations have reached the pinnacle of economic prowess in Asia. This remarkable feat not only reshapes the regional dynamics but also serve as an inspiration for global collaboration and prosperity. Saori Tsuiki, Senior economist, Mizuho Research & Technologies, Ltd., believes that India is a country that represents great opportunities for Japan. Factors such as the country with higher population than China, increased significance as a supply base, rising level of economic growth stability and gross domestic product per individual, extensive potential as a market for consumer durable goods along with the overall advancement in the business environment, make India a highly attractive destination for Japanese investment and business expansion. It is in favour of both, India and Japan to work together in improving the business communication between them to facilitate free and fair-trade environment. However, an advanced economy like Japan facing unexpected economic challenges juxtaposed with its stock markets high performance, highlights the complexities of global economic dynamics.

Yet, amidst the challenges lies an opportunity for a symbiotic relationship, which will not only reshape regional dynamics but also serve as an inspiration for global collaboration. This natural and complementing partnership between the two economies can usher innovations, progress and shared success.

This partnership based on shared democratic values and respect for the rule of law with a common outlook on regional security. In the current geopolitical scenario, Asia-Pacific has emerged as a focal point of global attention, at the forefront of which are, India and Japan putting efforts to ensure stability in the region. Both nations are working tirelessly to improve the quality of cooperation through connectivity projects, defense related agreements, defense exercises (JIMEX, Malabar Exercise, RIMPAC, MILAN, Dharma Guardian, Veer Guardian), investing in their respective military technology sectors and identifying potential areas of innovation and collaboration such robotics, UAVs, intelligence systems and cybersecurity. India has the fourth largest defense budget in the world while Japan falls at the tenth place. Nonetheless, there is a growing tendency in Japan to increase the defense related spending, as evident in its record 7.7 trillion yen ($54.25 billion) 

7.7 trillion yen ($54.25 billion) defense budget for fiscal 2024.

 This represents an increase of about 17% from the previous year's spending of 6.6 trillion yen.

The 2+2 bilateral dialogue vis-à-vis defence cooperation, the common security framework provided by Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy and India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI), the rising aggressiveness and military movement of China in the region and the commitment of both India and Japan to enhance shared security efforts to ensure a Free, Open, Rules-based, Inclusive, Resilient and peaceful Indo-Pacific. The complementarity, of demography, of resources and of cultures, the responsibility towards maintaining the regional security architecture for securing sea lanes of communications (SLOCs) in the region and the resulting shared vested interests of ensuring stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region, all provide a compelling rationale for more effective and efficient collaborations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Multilateralism and Global Leadership: Examining Cooperative Diplomacy

The deepening defense cooperation between India and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region is founded on their mutual dedication to multilateralism and reinforcing the rules-based international order. The global south has been gaining importance in Japan’s foreign policy in recent years and India played a very important role by highlighting the regional issue at the G20 platform. Both countries aim to decrease the economic dependency of nations in the Global South on China. Japan, in particular, aims to achieve this by 

utilising its ODA for building a stable international order

 ,of which India has been a major recipient and beneficiary. Active collaboration in various multilateral forums such as QUAD, G20, G7, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) and ASEAN, underscore the strengthening ties between India and Japan.

The top officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) earlier mentioned that Tokyo is interested in setting up joint infrastructure development projects abroad with India. In order to maximize the impact of the partnership between the two countries, joint planning, design and execution of connectivity and infrastructure projects can be undertaken in countries such as Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. This can be a significant step in countering China’s Belt and Road initiative to increase its clout in the region. India and Japan can also work together on capacity building and training programs focusing on technology transfer, skill development and knowledge sharing in various countries of the region to promote sustainable development and human resource empowerment.

There are many ongoing joint projects in India related to environmental management, natural environment conservation, energy and mining, transportation, water resources, health and education, all pointing to increase collaboration between the two countries. But a lot can be done in terms of partnering for infra building abroad. One of the recent and successful examples in this area is Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signing a loan agreement with BSRM Steels Limited (BSRMSL) of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for private sector investment finance of USD 50 million to fund the construction of an environmentally friendly steel plant, planned by BSRMSL in Mirsharai, Chattogram District, which will be co-financed by the Export-Import Bank of India and Standard Chartered Bank, among other institutions.

A confluence of two strategies, especially India's "Act East" policy with Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision, results in fostering a robust partnership aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade, and security cooperation between the two countries. India-Japan relations can widen by further utilizing Japanese Official Development Assistance for strategic purposes in North-East India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and nations in the Indian ocean littoral in collaboration with India. Deepening military interoperability, beyond the navies is also an important area. Maritime security related infrastructure, artificial intelligence, small and niche IT companies’ partnerships are other areas of possible increased collaboration. Developing mutual understanding to better deal with differences and challenges becomes necessary. For this, many channels of connection between the two nations, from respective business communities, industry experts, academic communities to diplomatic channels, cultural exchanges and technological collaborations are essential. Along with it, leveraging multilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as joint initiatives in international forums and active partnership in regional organizations, can amplify the impact of bilateral relations between India and Japan, enhancing their collective influence and contributions to global endeavors. 

Beyond Bilateralism: India and Japan's Role in Shaping Asia-Pacific's Future

IntroductionStrategic alliances have emerged as one of the most powerful tools for shaping regional dynamics and promoting shared interests in a rapidly changing glo

Strategic alliances have emerged as one of the most powerful tools for shaping regional dynamics and promoting shared interests in a rapidly changing global landscape. One of these, the triangular relationship between USA, South Korea and Japan, holds a special place in the evolving power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. Against the backdrop of an assertive China and its expanding influence in every nook and corner of the world, India’s involvement in this trilateral relationship can bring fresh perspectives, unexplored opportunities and new possibilities to the table.

At the recent Camp David talks, the USA-South Korea-Japan trilateral pledged to deepen cooperation considering the mutual security interests. The meeting marked the inaugural formal encounter between US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. While China figured most prominently in the talks at the camp event, other concerns such as realizing the shared vision of the Indo-Pacific region, increasing number of nuclear tests being conducted by North Korea, destabilising ramifications of a possible Chinese invasion into Taiwan were deliberated upon in detail. The need to bolster cooperation in order to strengthen a rule-based international order was realized for which every nation has to play a proactive role based on the values of freedom, human rights and rule of law. This article will attempt to analyze the strategic significance of India in this trilateral alliance for realizing the broader vision of a free, open, transparent, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific.

India’s strategic significance for this trilateral

India’s strategic significance for the trilateral cooperation arises, primarily, due to its geographical location; secondly, because of its economic potential and military capabilities; and lastly, because of the shared objective of maintaining regional peace, stability, security and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region. Following points will cater to a detailed breakdown of this significance:

1. Geopolitical Location: India’s location at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea places it in a pivotal position in the Indo-Pacific region. The geographic advantage that comes with it enables India to contribute greatly to maritime security, freedom of navigation and the overall peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Economic potential: India’s rapidly growing economy presents numerous opportunities for trade and investment, especially in the newly emerging and expanding energy sector. Moreover, India’s diverse and huge consumer market as well as the emerging technology market is of interest to both Japan and South Korea.

3. Technological collaboration: In areas of advanced technology such as cyber security, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing processes, greater cooperation can lead to greater mutual benefits for all the parties involved. It can contribute to the overall development of the region to a very significant level. India’s expertise in software and technological services aligns well with the technological strengths of South Korea and Japan.

4. Security and Defense: The mutual security interests of all the four countries in the face of increasing security challenges in the region calls for collaboration and actions for realizing the shared vision for the true development of the region. India’s military capabilities enhances the maritime security of the region. The joint naval exercises, drills and conferences held by the trilateral can be expanded so as to include India to increase the capabilities and effectiveness of those holdings.

5. Regional connectivity: The trilateral cooperation supports various infrastructure, developmental and connectivity projects. In a similar sense, India’s Act East policy complements well with the various connectivity projects of South Korea and Japan, fostering economic growth and interdependence among the countries.

6. Diplomatic Influence: India’s proactive participation in regional groupings such as QUAD (Quadrilateral security dialogue forum comprising USA, Japan and Australia and India) adds weight to the trilateral cooperation of USA, South Korea and Japan. QUAD, also called as the Democratic Security Diamond, seeks to promote democratic values, economic development and security cooperation in the region of Indo-Pacific, further reinforcing the strategic vision and goal of the trilateral partnership.

7. Counterbalancing China – This trilateral plays a key role in counterbalancing China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s growing economic and military capabilities make it a valuable partner in for both the USA and the Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, in maintain regional stability and preventing any one country to be in a position to dominate the region.

In essence, India’s strategic significance in the trilateral relationship between USA, South Korea and Japan brings forth a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to address the complex geopolitical realities of the Indo-Pacific region. Whether from a geographical standpoint, a security standpoint, an economic standpoint or from a standpoint of shared values and interest, India’s collaboration with this trilateral not only has the potential to safeguard the interests of the involved nations but also to make a substantial contribution to the peace, stability and prosperity of the broader Indo-Pacific region in the 21st century. Strategic relation between these like-minded countries underlines the need to ensure regional stability, foster economic growth and guarantee maritime security, especially in the context of one of the major geopolitical hotspots of the present world – The Indo-Pacific region.

The Indo-Pacific Triad: India's significance in USA-South Korea-Japan Relations

 INTRODUCTIONIn the vast realm of the ever-changing landscape of international relations, certain friendships jut out as unique and extraordinary. One such alliance 

In the vast realm of the ever-changing landscape of international relations, certain friendships jut out as unique and extraordinary. One such alliance is the relationship between two of the major Asian giants – Japan and India. Often described as the ‘Samurai and the Elephant’, the dynamic duo between two distinct yet complementary cultures, has been grabbing a lot of attention for its strategic significance and shared values. As the two nations move forward in the direction of deepening their cooperation, a question pops up: Are India and Japan truly mastering the art of synchronized collaboration? This article delves into the intricacies and knottiness of this evolving partnership by exploring its historical, present and future significance.

At first look, The Samurai and the Elephant may seem like a paradoxical pairing. However, underneath, these symbols signify the complementarity in the strength of the two nations. The Samurai embodies the qualities of discipline, resilience and honor embedded in Japan’s spirit whereas the Elephant symbolizes India’s wisdom, strength and stability. Such parallel traits, along with mutual respect and admiration for each other’s rich heritage, hint at the potential for an unprecedented and unparalleled harmonious relationship.

The base for India – Japan friendship was laid down centuries ago when Buddhism was imported to Japan from India via Korea. The earliest recorded interaction was in 752 A.D. when an Indian monk named Bodhisena performed an eye-opening or consecration ceremony for the towering statue of Buddha in Todaiji temple in Nara, Japan. Also, many records establish that scholars, traders and religious emissaries used to travel between the two lands frequently, promoting cultural communication and intellectual exchange. All of this influenced the cultural and spiritual fabric of Japanese society and contributed to its shaping as it is today to a very great extent.

Later, Japan’s association with prominent Indian personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Sister Nivedita, Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, JRD Tata and Justice Radha Binod Pal cemented the friendship between the two nations and laid down the trajectory for future interactions and cooperation in various fields.

After five years of gaining independence, India established official diplomatic ties with Japan in the year 1952.  Since then, the relationship between the two nations has been free of any hiccups as such except a minor one when India conducted its nuclear tests. Despite friendly relations, the momentum of an exchange witnessed in the 1950s could not be sustained for long. It picked up again when Japan entered the Indian automobile market in the 1980s. The relations between the two nations, since then, have been growing though with varying degrees under different leaderships.

COMPLEMENTARY STRENGTHS: Unison of The Samurai and Elephant

The symbolization of Japan as the Samurai and India as the Elephant rightly captures the essence of the alliance between the two. Japan, revered for its disciplined work ethic, prowess in technology, and spirit of innovation, finds a complementing partner in India, a land with vast potential, astounding diversity and a youthful population. The Samurai brings precision, efficiency and cutting-edge technology to the table while the Elephant offers scale, resources and an extremely vast and diverse consumer market. Japan’s shrinking as well as aging population and technological resources with India’s growing as well as its youthful population and skilled human resources point to obvious complementarities in the relationship. By aligning their strengths and working together on their weaknesses for mutual advantage, they form an imposing team that can work for the benefit of all.

The unison of the strengths of the two nations over the past few years has resulted in an exponential rise in economic relations. Japan has played a major role in the development of India’s infrastructure by being a significant investor in the transportation, energy and manufacturing sector. Two of the major projects have been the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project and the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor project. On the other hand, India puts forward a vast consumer market and a skilled workforce, attracting Japanese companies to invest in establishing manufacturing hubs and research centers in India. Recently, Japan has committed around 7000 crores to India for three infrastructure projects- the Patna Metro Rail Construction Project, the Project for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change Response in the state of West Bengal and the Rajasthan water sector livelihood improvement project.

Bilateral trade and investment continue to flourish bolstering the economic growth in both nations. However, recently, a statement given by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FICCI) chief Subhrakant Panda pointed out that the trade between the two countries has not realized its actual potential yet. Overcoming business challenges and establishing greater collaboration in trade, supply chains and clean energy can be a few of the many steps that can be taken in this regard.

SHARED VALUES: Democracy, peace and stability

One of the most important cornerstones of the India-Japan relationship is the shared commitment to democratic principles, peace and stability. The resolve of both nations for upholding the rule of law, safeguarding human rights and promoting inclusive growth brings them closer. This has established a warm solidarity and genuine respect between the two. Also, shared values lead to shared strategic interests. They share common security and stability concerns regarding the Indo-Pacific region. Aiming to promote a free, open, transparent, prosperous and inclusive Indo pacific, both are a part of the QUAD- the four-member informal security dialogue group, the USA and Australia being the other two members. They show a commitment to regional stability and international peace through active cooperation on these platforms.

The spirit of synchronized collaboration is also evident in their technological endeavors and humanitarian activities. Both countries have offered assistance to one another in times of need as seen in Japan’s assistance to India after the earthquake in Gujarat in 2001 and India’s assistance to Japan during the earthquake and tsunami that hit that country in 2011. Such acts of generosity are a reflection of the ties that bind the two nations. In addition to this, Japan and India are also looking into collaborating on technical developments and research projects in a variety of disciplines, including robotics and renewable energy sources. Their dedication to innovation is a good indication of their desire to set the pace for advancement through technology. The recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) between India and Japan on semiconductors development is one of the substantial steps taken by the two nations in creating a resilient complete value chain.

Though India and Japan have made significant progress in achieving mastery over the art of synchronized collaboration, challenges remain. Delicate navigation is required to face these challenges such as cultural variations, administrative complexities and geopolitical complications. However, the advantages of this relationship significantly outweigh any drawbacks. Both nations are poised to unlock a plethora of opportunities for mutual growth, development, prosperity and stability. They have the potential to create a reverberating and substantially positive impact on the regional and global stage by aligning their strategic interests and by fostering mutual trust.

As ‘the Samurai and the Elephant’ continue to dance in synchrony, India and Japan serve as an example of international friendship and collaboration. Often called ‘natural partners’ on the global stage, their special alliance is based on shared values, mutually beneficial economic relationships and cultural ties. This unique friendship serves as an example for other nations seeking to establish reciprocal relationships. The India-Japan alliance is a ray of hope and progress as the world witnesses the formation of new regional and global dynamics, demonstrating how countries with very different cultures can work together to improve the lives of both their people and the future of the entire planet.

The Samurai and the Elephant: Are Japan and India mastering the art of synchronized collaboration?

IntroductionBorn on September 21, 1954, in Tokyo, Japan, Mr. Abe hailed from a prominent and powerful political family. The son of a former Foreign Minister of Japan

Born on September 21, 1954, in Tokyo, Japan, Mr. Abe hailed from a prominent and powerful political family. The son of a former Foreign Minister of Japan, Shintaro Abe and the grandson of a former prime minister, Nobusuke Kishi, Mr. Abe attended Seikei University, where he studied political science, and later went on to study public policy at the University of Southern California.

Abe began his political career in the 1980s when he worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1993, he was elected to the lower house of the Japanese Diet representing the Yamaguchi prefecture. He quickly gained prominence within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), one of Japan’s major political parties. After serving as the Chief Cabinet Secretary in the government of prime minister Junichiro Koizumi from 2005 to 2006, Abe’s first tenure as the Prime Minister began in September 2006 after the resignation of Mr. Koizumi. However, this first term was relatively short-lived and he resigned in September 2007 on grounds of health issues.

Abe and the LDP returned to power by seizing a sumo-sized win in December 2012. During this second tenure, Abe was known for his strong leadership, charisma, and dedication to Japan’s growth and development. He was also committed to enhancing Japan’s relations with other countries in the region, including India. Deeply committed to Japan and having a strong love for his country, he saw Japan as a key player in the global political, economic and security landscape and worked tirelessly to enhance Japan’s influence in the world. That is why he holds a lasting place in his country’s public imagination.

Contribution to the growth and development of Japan

Mr. Abe’s three-pronged economic strategy popularly known as ‘Abenomics’ was a combination of fiscal stimulus, monetary easing and structural reforms. The policies included increased government spending, deregulation and flexible fiscal policy to bolster growth while managing debt to kickstart Japan’s stagnant economy. The results produced by these policies were quite positive but utterly inconsistent. However, in terms of structural reforms, Abe made possible the entry of more women into the workforce, which was a part of his policy of ‘womenomics’ to counter the aging population problem. He also worked on easing the rules that restricted the entry of migrant workers. He also introduced work-style- reforms (

to counter the problem of dangerously long working hours and wide unequal gaps between the wages of regular and nonregular workers.

Moreover, Abe also introduced a policy of Society 5.0 which focused on the use of technology to improve productivity and efficiency. It promoted the use of cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, smart technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) to help the Japanese government in dealing with issues such as their aging population, education, agriculture and climate change as well as in enhancing Japan’s competitiveness in the global economy.

In the year 2014, Mr. Abe’s government reinterpreted Japan’s post-war pacifist constitution. Although Japan has long had a de facto military in the form of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Article 9 of its constitution forbids the maintenance of a standing army. Mr. Abe’s reinterpretation in this sense would allow Japan to exercise collective self-defense and Japanese forces to aid an ally under attack. However, a reinterpretation of the constitution could not be realized due to Japan’s aversion to military conflicts and persistent opposition even from within the LDP. He established a "National Security Council" in 2018, which analysts have referred to as "the most ambitious reorganization of Japan's foreign and security policy apparatus since the end of World War II". Abe believed that it was essential for Japan to acquire defense and counterstrike capabilities to ensure the country’s continued prosperity and stability, especially in the circumstance of increasing aggression from its neighbors like China and North Korea.

Contribution to Japan’s Foreign Policy and Multilateralism

Japan adopted multifaceted proactive diplomacy during the tenure of Shinzo Abe. Under his leadership, Japan successfully strengthened its ties with its key like-minded allies. He was the brainchild of the strategy of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) as well as the QUAD (a four-member group for security dialogue comprising of USA, Australia, Japan and India) to secure a stable, safe, sustainable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. He realized the importance of this region for ensuring world peace. One of his main goals was to establish and maintain transparent and resilient supply chains to ensure a smooth flow of trade and communication.

During his tenure as the prime minister, Mr. Abe visited over 80 countries pursuing a more assertive foreign policy aiming to position Japan as a major player in the global economic and political landscape. He created a personal rapport and communicated his vision to leaders like Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, convincing them to share its importance and substance. It enabled him to elevate bilateral relations with India and USA to the next level.

Under his leadership, Japan also played a defining role in the negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He advocated for Japan’s participation in these agreements, which helped expand Japan’s economic ties with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Also, the Japan-EU economic partnership Agreement (EPA) was signed during his tenure. Mr. Abe aimed to position Japan as a key player in regional security issues, including countering North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and addressing tension in the South China Sea. Abe’s various efforts to strengthen relations with various nations including China and South Korea had both successes and challenges. A major stint in the relations came when Abe, ignoring the angry protests from China and South Korea, visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a nationalist symbol honoring the country’s war dead including war criminals from World War 2.

Abe also focused on issues such as global health. A strong advocate for eradicating polio, he doubled Japan’s support for making sure that children everywhere get routine vaccines. He was a fervent supporter of the polio eradication effort. And under his leadership, Japan helped launch a global effort to develop vaccines that will prevent pandemics and became its top donor.

Abe also appealed to world leaders to strengthen trust in the international trading system and pushed countries like India, USA and China to revitalize the WTO. He was committed to forging a free, open and rule-based international order.

Abe’s tragic departure from the scene of Japanese politics was not only a tremendous shock to the Japanese nation but also created a vacuum in political power. A highly revered global statesman, he built a reliable policy legacy for his government, bringing stability to rather unstable Japanese politics. Current Japanese PM Mr. Fumio Kishida continues to work on Abe’s vision and blueprint for economic or foreign policy. The political class of Japan continues Abe’s agenda of having a much stronger defense capability and a much more proactive security policy. However, the newly emerging challenges may lead the new leaders to change the course of Japan’s diplomatic relations depending on the priorities and strategies of future leaders. Only time will tell the extent to which Mr. Abe’s legacy will continue but his tenure has without a single doubt shaped Japanese domestic and international policies to a great extent. Future leaders will continue to build upon his achievements and address new challenges ultimately shaping the direction and continuation of his legacy- A controversial but consequential iconoclast leader who wanted a Japan that is strong and ‘normal.’

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