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Introduction

Amid a shifting world order, the recent meeting between the Indian and Japanese Prime Ministers underscored the strategic importance of their partnership. Shared interests in a free Indo-Pacific, resilient supply chains, and technology cooperation strengthen their convergence.

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Areas of Convergence between India and Japan

• Shared Indo-Pacific Vision: Both nations see the Indo-Pacific as central to their security and stability, opposing Chinese assertiveness.
  Eg: Their cooperation through Quad, Malabar, and MILAN highlights joint efforts to shape regional geopolitics.
• Economic and Technological Collaboration: Japan invests in India’s critical sectors such as clean energy, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience.
  Eg: During the Indian PM’s visit , Japan pledged $68 billion in investment and cooperation in critical minerals and space.
• Strategic Alternatives to China: Both countries aim to create regional alternatives to China-led projects in Asia and Africa.
  Eg: Trilateral cooperation with third countries in South Asia and Africa demonstrates this convergence.
• Respectful Diplomacy and Mutual Sensitivity: Their relationship is marked by discretion, tolerance, and addressing differences privately.
• Shared Opposition to Chinese Unipolarity: Neither India nor Japan accepts the idea of a China-dominated Asia.
  Eg: India as a rising power and Japan as a former great power converge in their commitment to prevent Chinese unipolarity.

Challenges Hindering the Partnership

• US-China Factor: The unpredictability of US commitment and its ties with China directly impacts India-Japan strategic dynamics.
  Eg: If the US deters China effectively, Japan may rely less on India; if China accommodates India, Delhi may deprioritise Tokyo.
• Different Strategic Outlooks: India prefers multi-alignment, while Japan tends to align with US priorities.
• Weak Trade Relations: Despite strong strategic ties, economic engagement remains modest.
  Eg: Bilateral trade between India-Japan is only $23 billion, far behind India’s $130 billion with China and Japan’s $300 billion with Beijing.
• Dependency on External Dynamics: Both countries’ ties are shaped heavily by US policy in the Indo-Pacific rather than independent bilateral initiatives.

Measures to Strengthen and Deepen Relations

• Expand Trade and Investment: Enhance bilateral economic engagement in key sectors to balance the trade deficit.
  Eg: Deepening Japanese investment beyond $68 billion in areas like infrastructure and digital cooperation.
• Strengthen Security Cooperation: Translate joint declarations into actionable military and defence initiatives.
• Diversify Strategic Partnerships: Work with regional players like Australia and Indonesia to reduce reliance on the US.
  Eg: An “Asian Quad” on critical minerals can reset global power in resource security.
• Institutionalise Strategic Dialogue: Regular high-level meetings and working groups to address challenges and track progress.
  Eg: Ensuring follow-up on the 41 promising ideas from the Joint Declaration.
• Promote People-to-People and Soft Power Links: Expand cultural, educational, and technological exchanges to build trust and resilience.
  Eg: Increasing Japanese business presence in India reflects the role of soft power in building lasting ties.

Conclusion

For India and Japan, deeper cooperation is a strategic necessity to shape the Asian and global order. Overcoming challenges and enhancing economic, defence, and people-to-people ties can make their partnership a cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific and a driver of peace and prosperity.

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