Rupal Kalebere
On August 20, 2024, the 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue took place in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between India and Japan. The dialogue, co-hosted by India’s Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Japan’s Minister of Defense Mr. Kihara Minoru, along with their counterparts, Ms. Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, underscored the deepening cooperation between the two nations in the realms of defense, security, and strategic affairs.
The dialogue highlighted the progress made in various areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly in defense and security, which are central to the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The discussions at this high-level meeting also reflected the shared vision of India and Japan for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, a region that has become increasingly central to global geopolitical dynamics.
Historical Context and the Evolution of India-Japan Relations
India and Japan share a long history of cultural and economic ties that have gradually evolved into a robust strategic partnership. The relationship has been significantly strengthened in the last decade, with both nations recognizing the importance of a closer alliance in the face of regional and global challenges. The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, a partnership that has seen substantial growth in defense cooperation, economic engagement, and people-to-people connections.
Japan, as one of the first countries to invest in India’s post-independence economic growth, has been a vital partner in India’s development journey. Japan’s FDI into India grew from US$1,494 in 2021-22 to US$ 3,177 million in 2023-24. The economic relationship between the two countries has flourished, with Japan playing a crucial role in India’s infrastructure development, including the construction of the Delhi Metro and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project. However, in recent years, the focus of the partnership has expanded to include security and defense cooperation, driven by shared concerns over regional security dynamics and the rise of China.
The Strategic Importance of the Indo-Pacific Region
The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a crucial arena for global strategic competition, with major powers vying for influence over its critical sea lanes, resources, and geopolitical chokepoints. Both India and Japan have been vocal proponents of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, advocating for freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The convergence of their strategic interests in this region has led to an unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries, especially in the field of defense.
The 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue reaffirmed the importance of this partnership in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue emphasized the role of India and Japan as “sentinels” of the region, highlighting their shared responsibility in safeguarding the interests of the broader international community.
Key Outcomes of the 3rd 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
The 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue built on the momentum generated by the previous meetings, particularly the last one held in Tokyo in September 2022. The 2024 dialogue resulted in several significant outcomes that have far-reaching implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
1. Enhanced Defense Cooperation
One of the most notable achievements of the dialogue was the substantial progress in defense cooperation between the two nations. India and Japan have conducted multiple joint military exercises over the years, but the year 2023 was particularly significant as it marked the first time that all three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—engaged in bilateral exercises within a single calendar year. The institution of Joint Services Staff Talks and the inaugural Fighter exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, named Exercise Veer Guardian, were milestones in this evolving defense relationship.
These exercises not only enhance interoperability between the armed forces of India and Japan but also send a strong signal of their commitment to regional security. The discussions during the dialogue also focused on sharing best practices and lessons learned from these exercises, particularly in the context of jointness in military operations, a concept that both countries are keen to explore further.
2. Progress in Defense Equipment and Technological Cooperation
The dialogue also made significant headway in the area of defense equipment and technological cooperation. India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) is closely tied to its aspirations of becoming a global manufacturing hub, particularly in the defense sector. Japan, with its advanced technology and industrial capabilities, is seen as a key partner in helping India achieve this goal.
During the dialogue, both sides discussed ways to enhance collaboration in defense technology and industry, with a focus on co-development and co-production of defense equipment. This cooperation is expected to contribute significantly to India’s efforts to build domestic defense capabilities and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. Moreover, it aligns with Japan’s recent initiatives to expand its role in the global defense industry, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Convergence on Indo-Pacific Security
The Indo-Pacific region was a central theme in the discussions, reflecting the growing convergence between India and Japan on regional security issues. Both countries have a shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and they are committed to working together to ensure that this vision is realized.
India and Japan are active members of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), a key platform for defense cooperation among ASEAN and its eight Plus countries, including Japan. The dialogue reiterated their commitment to strengthening this platform and enhancing their collaboration with other regional partners.
The dialogue also highlighted the importance of supporting each other’s initiatives in the Indo-Pacific. India and Japan expressed their commitment to promoting stability and security in the region, particularly in the face of challenges such as maritime disputes, the militarization of strategic waterways, and the increasing influence of non-regional actors.
The Broader Implications of the India-Japan Partnership
The deepening of the India-Japan partnership has significant implications for the broader strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. As two of Asia’s leading democracies, India and Japan are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region. Their collaboration extends beyond defense and security to include economic, technological, and cultural ties, making it one of the most comprehensive partnerships in the region.
1. Geopolitical Influence
The India-Japan partnership enhances the geopolitical influence of both countries in the Indo-Pacific. By working together, they can present a united front on critical issues such as freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. This cooperation also serves as a counterbalance to the growing influence of China in the region, particularly in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.
2. Economic and Technological Collaboration
In addition to defense cooperation, India and Japan are also exploring new avenues for economic and technological collaboration. Japan has been a key partner in India’s infrastructure development, and this partnership is expected to expand into new areas such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. The dialogue emphasized the importance of leveraging each other’s strengths in these areas to drive innovation and economic growth.
3. People-to-People Ties
The India-Japan relationship is also underpinned by strong people-to-people ties. Cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and tourism have all contributed to a greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s societies. These ties are expected to deepen further in the coming years, strengthening the foundation of the bilateral relationship.
Conclusion: A Partnership for the Future
The 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue marks a new chapter in the strategic partnership between India and Japan. As both countries navigate the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region, their collaboration will be crucial in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The dialogue has not only reinforced the existing defense and security ties between the two nations but has also opened up new avenues for cooperation in areas such as defense technology, economic development, and regional security. Particularly, rejuvenating the 2011 Project on Collaboration for the local production of the famed US2 amphibious aircraft is a fit case for deepening the collaboration. The spin off benefits would also assist in building civilian amphibian aircraft manufacturing capability and in conformance with the recent rules for seaplan operations promulgated on 22 August 2024.
As India and Japan look to the future, their partnership will continue to be a cornerstone of their respective foreign policies. The shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, coupled with their commitment to enhancing defense and security cooperation, positions India and Japan as key players in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.
The progress made during the 3rd 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a testament to the strong foundations of the India-Japan partnership and its potential to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region. As both nations celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, they are poised to take their relationship to new heights, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.