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

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