Japanese PM’s visit reaffirms salience of bilateral ties with India at a time of geopolitical ferment

News: Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited India. It is significant that despite the recent developments in Ukraine, Tokyo and New Delhi have managed to present a united front vis-a-vis China. 

What is the significance of the visit of Japanese PM to India?

First, it was the first bilateral state visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida since he assumed office. No annual summit-level meeting has occurred between both countries in last two years since 2019 because of Covid-pandemic.  

Second, the visit comes at a time when the two countries are marking 70 years of bilateral ties. Both Delhi and Tokyo formed a “Strategic and Global Partnership” because both acquired salience and depth in 2006.  

Third, the visit marks both a re-affirmation of the close economic and strategic ties between the countries. It further lays out the prospect of deepening the relationship in the wake of the current geopolitical turmoil. Both are committed to cooperate on digital security and green technologies.  

Fourth, Japan’s announcement to invest 5 trillion JPY signals that Japanese companies and the government continue to see India as a viable investment destination. The investment will cover a wide range of activities, and effectively boost Japanese investments, skill Indian labour and build supply chains. 

Fifth, it holds out the possibility for the second- and third-largest economies in Asia to effectively collaborate in the face of Chinese dominance. Both sides discussed China’s aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific as well as its encroachment on India’s land borders. Both Japan and India are committed to the rules-international based order.  

Sixth, On the strategic front, in the joint statement, both sides condemned Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks on Indian soil. Also, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate to ensure “peace and stability” in Afghanistan.  

This mutual goodwill generates hope that the bilateral relations can be shaped up for greater cooperation during the upcoming 2+2 ministerial conference. 

What are the diverging Interest of India and Japan? 

On the one side, Japan has condemned the Russian attack. One the other side, India has called for peace and dialogue. This is in line with the two countries’ positions, and individual strategic needs.

Source: The post is based on an article “Japanese PM’s visit reaffirms salience of bilateral ties with India at a time of geopolitical ferment” published in the Indian Express on 21st Mar 22