A strong India and a strong Japan are in mutual interests. Substantiate the statement in relation with i) emerging geopolitical conditions in the region ii) the outcomes of Indo-Japan annual summit.
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
Steps upholding mutual interest
· Considering the geo-political conditions, India Japan jointly initiate:
a. 2+2 dialogue between foreign and defence ministries
b. Trilateral ministerial dialogue involves U.S and Japan with India
c. Japan’s inclusion in Malabar Naval exercise between U.S and India.
· Even though, Japan having an anti-nuclear sentiment and faith in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty, Conclusion of Co-operation in the peaceful uses of Nuclear energy agreement between Indo-Japan shows convergence of interest in global arena.
· Newly initiated Asia-Africa growth corridor (AAGC) to build connectivity, with mutual funding of Indo-Japan adds a critical dimension to the global partnership.
· Japan voiced support to India during doklam crisis, as Japan itself faces the same situation in its Senkaku island with China, improves ties.
· With the tensions mounting due to North Korea’s missile crisis, it is India’s turn as an aspirational UNSC contender to condemn and put pressure on North Korea to avoid any future missile tests, supporting world nations aligned with U.S and Japan.
· To achieve a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to prepare Japan to deal with the fast changing global and regional order and threats from China and North Korea, India is an important factor.
Outcome of Indo-Japan Annual summit
· High speed rail network between Mumbai and Ahmedabad with the help of Japanese funds and technology will help India to adopt modern day cutting-edge technology and use it as engines of growth of economy.
· Have signed an open-skies agreement under which their airlines can operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries which will enhance the cultural ties of people from both countries.
· Signing of MoU’s on science and technology will help both countries to exchange the ideas and research models for future developments especially, in the field of regenerative medicine and induced pluripotent stem cell biology.
· India has also extended to Japan an offer denied to any other country, which is to assist in infrastructure development in the Northeast. At the same time, we have to be cautious enough to clarify China’s apprehension on this issue to avoid any future doklam like stand-off and also to maintain revived good relation with our neighbour.
· Bilateral trade between India and Japan has steadily declined since 2013. Compared to Indo-Japan’s trade data, China-Japan’s trade is 4times higher.
· It is imperative that India and Japan also look beyond their lofty geopolitical aims, at the more basic aspects of bilateral engagement to increase greater co-operation.
