Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida writes: Japan and India renewing a pledge

Source- The post is based on the article “Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida writes: Japan and India renewing a pledge” published in “The Indian Express” on 20th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance– India and Japan bilateral relationship

News– Japan PM is visiting India for the second time.

What is the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and Japan?

Close coordination between India and Japan as leading democracies of Asia are the cornerstones of peace and prosperity in the region.

The bilateral relationship between our two countries is multi-layered. It is based on shared values and principles of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Both have shared vision of Free and Open Indo-pacific.

Today, the international community is at a historic turning point. Its impact, such as the food crisis and soaring fertiliser prices, are also being felt here in the Indo-Pacific region.

As Japan and India assume the Presidencies of the G7 and the G20 respectively this year, cooperation between them is important for the region.

In the context of the Ukraine war, both have sought a peaceful resolution based on international law.

What are potential areas of cooperation between India and Japan?

Japan-India relations have advanced in various fields. Japan is important partner in the high-speed railway project in India

Japan has the target of 5 trillion Yen of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India in the next five years. This was announced by our two governments last year.

Smart city projects by India, share high compatibility with Japan’s Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation Realisation.

Japan is cooperating in the development of the north-eastern region of India by increasing connectivity with the surrounding regions.

What is the shared vision of Free and Open Indo-Pacific between India and Japan?

FOIP is a vision shared by Japan and India. It has gained support and endorsement of the international community and led to the mainstreaming of the “Indo-Pacific”.

FOIP is even more relevant at a time when Japan and India aim to pursue the shared goal of leading the international community towards cooperation rather than division and confrontation.