The article highlights India and Japan’s focus on enhancing “peacetime cooperation” to address future world order challenges. It emphasizes the need to fortify collaboration in various areas, including economics, security, and diplomacy, to build resilience and prevent conflicts in sensitive regions. India-Japan peacetime cooperation serves as a positive example for others in the global landscape.
What is the context ?
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar stressed the significance of enhancing “peacetime cooperation” with Japan during a think tank event in Delhi. Alongside Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, he highlighted their natural partnership in addressing future world order challenges.
The Crucial Test of Peacetime Cooperation : In an era of geopolitical complexities, Jaishankar emphasized that real collaboration is tested during peacetime. India and Japan must fortify cooperation in economics, supply chains, digital technology, critical technologies, and maritime security to build resilience for future crises.
Sensitive Regions and Conflict Avoidance:
India and Japan underlined the commitment to peacetime cooperation as a preventive measure. Building trust and robust ties is vital to avoid escalation.
Key Areas of Cooperation
1. Japan’s Active Role in Security Cooperation
Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged existing security cooperation, including joint military and maritime exercises. He stressed bilateral ties and people-to-people cooperation’s role in maintaining regional stability.
2. Diplomatic Resolutions: India’s Preferred Stance During heightened U.S.-China tensions in the Taiwan straits, India opted for diplomacy, urging “restraint.” This approach reflects India’s preference for dialogue with China. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) also maintains a less confrontational posture.
3.India-Japan Forum: The India-Japan Forum fosters cooperation among diplomats, academics, and businesspersons. It incubates ideas and projects to strengthen ties and address shared challenges through regular interactions.
4. Japan’s Indo-Pacific Policy and the India Focus: Japan’s Indo-Pacific policy emphasizes bolstering ties with India. Collaboration extends beyond bilateral cooperation to projects in third countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This contributes to stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Japan’s Engagement with the Global South: Japan aligns G-7 presidency goals with India’s G-20 priorities, acknowledging the significance of the Global South’s involvement. Strengthening international cooperation on pressing global issues upholds the free and open international order.
Conclusion:
Strengthening “peacetime cooperation” marks a pivotal milestone in India-Japan relations. Active engagement in economic, security, and diplomatic collaboration ensures regional peace, stability, and security while advancing the free and open international order. Building on their natural partnership sets a positive example for other countries in facing global challenges.
To explore more articles and analysis, please visit