GS II: India and its Neighbourhood, Bilateral Relations, International Institutions, India’s Strategic Interests
Context: The visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India has reinforced the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation independent of shifting global power dynamics.
- Against the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness and evolving strategic priorities of major powers, India and Japan unveiled an updated vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
- The initiative seeks to promote maritime security, resilient supply chains, and a rules-based international order through deeper bilateral cooperation.
Background
- India and Japan elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014.
- Both countries share common concerns regarding:
- Freedom of navigation.
- China’s growing maritime assertiveness.
- Supply chain resilience.
- Energy security.
- Stability of the Indo-Pacific.
- Their partnership is guided by democratic values, rule of law, and respect for international law.
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Key Concepts
- Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP): FOIP is a strategic vision originally proposed by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
- It seeks to ensure:
- Freedom of navigation.
- Respect for international law.
- Uninterrupted maritime trade.
- Peaceful resolution of disputes.
- The updated FOIP reflects India and Japan’s intention to strengthen bilateral cooperation despite uncertainties in multilateral arrangements.
- Quad: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue> (Quad) comprises:
- India
- Japan
- United States
- Australia
- It promotes a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific while supporting regional peace, maritime security, and a rules-based order.
- BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation> (BIMSTEC) connects South Asia with Southeast Asia.
- It has emerged as an important regional platform for economic integration, connectivity, and maritime cooperation.
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Maritime Domain Awareness refers to the effective monitoring and sharing of information relating to activities in the maritime domain.
- It enhances surveillance against piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and hostile naval activities.
Major Outcomes of the Visit
Strengthening Energy Security
- Both countries agreed to improve resilience against disruptions in global energy supplies.
- They emphasized secure and uninterrupted transportation of oil and gas from the Gulf region.
Maritime Cooperation
- India and Japan agreed to:
- Develop secure maritime transport corridors.
- Enhance naval cooperation.
- Improve Maritime Domain Awareness.
- Jointly develop naval platforms for surveillance and escort missions.
Defence and Security Cooperation
- Both countries reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
- They expressed concern over developments in the East China Sea and South China Sea and emphasized respect for international law.
Northeast Connectivity
- Japan reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development in India’s Northeast.
- Enhanced connectivity is expected to integrate Northeast India with Southeast Asian markets under India’s Act East Policy.
Strategic Importance for India
Counterbalancing China’s Assertiveness
- Deepens strategic coordination in response to unilateral actions affecting regional stability.
Securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
- Ensures uninterrupted maritime trade and energy imports through secure sea routes.
Supply Chain Diversification
- Reduces dependence on single-country manufacturing networks.
- Promotes resilient and trusted supply chains.
Infrastructure Development
- Japanese investment strengthens connectivity, logistics, and industrial development, particularly in Northeast India.
Regional Stability
- Supports a rules-based international order founded on international law and peaceful dispute resolution.
Challenges
- China’s growing military and maritime assertiveness.
- Geopolitical uncertainty due to changing strategic priorities of major powers.
- Vulnerability of global energy supply routes.
- Regional conflicts affecting maritime commerce.
- Need for sustained implementation of bilateral initiatives.
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Way Forward
- Deepen defence and maritime cooperation through regular joint exercises and intelligence sharing.
- Expand collaboration in emerging technologies, semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals.
- Accelerate connectivity projects linking Northeast India with Southeast Asia.
- Strengthen resilient supply chains through greater industrial cooperation.
- Promote a stable, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific architecture through sustained diplomatic engagement.
6 Jul 2026
