Context:
India and Japan recently convened their third 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi, focusing on reinforcing their strategic alliance amidst escalating geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This meeting underscored a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, highlighting the critical nature of their partnership in balancing China’s growing assertiveness in the area.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Understanding 2+2 Meetings: A Diplomatic Framework
- Highlights of the India-Japan 2+2 Dialogue
- India-Japan Relationship
Understanding 2+2 Meetings: A Diplomatic Framework
Participation Dynamics:
- Involves two high-level representatives, namely Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs and Defence, from each participating country.
- Aims to elevate the depth and breadth of dialogue between the nations.
Enhanced Communication and Understanding:
- Establishes a mechanism for better comprehension and appreciation of each other’s strategic concerns and sensitivities.
- Takes into consideration political factors on both sides to foster a more integrated and robust strategic relationship.
Adapting to Global Changes:
- Facilitates engagement in the context of a rapidly changing global environment.
- Offers a platform for addressing evolving geopolitical dynamics and challenges.
India’s 2+2 Partners:
- United States:
- Holds the distinction of being India’s oldest and most significant 2+2 talks partner.
- Other Nations:
- Engaged in 2+2 meetings with ministers from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Russia.
- Diverse Dialogues:
- Covers a spectrum of strategic aspects, promoting a comprehensive understanding between nations.
Highlights of the India-Japan 2+2 Dialogue
- Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Both nations reiterated their commitment to maintaining a free and rules-governed Indo-Pacific region, influenced by the increasing military activities of China.
- ASEAN Integration: There was a strong endorsement for the unity and central role of ASEAN, specifically through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which emphasizes peace and cooperation in the region.
- United Nations Principles: The discussions underscored ASEAN’s dedication to upholding a regional order based on United Nations guidelines.
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD): The meeting included discussions from the recent QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, reinforcing their commitment to deeper cooperation.
- Defense and Security Collaboration: Intentions were set to extend security support to third countries to promote regional stability, highlighting the defense cooperation as a cornerstone of their Strategic and Global Partnership.
- Security Strategy and Exercises: Updates on Japan’s 2022 National Security Strategy and progress in multinational military exercises like Veer Guardian and Malabar were noted.
- Innovations in Defense Technology: Advances in unmanned ground vehicles and robotics were acknowledged, and the transfer of Japan’s advanced radar system, UNICORN, was discussed, aiming to reduce radar detectability of warships.
- Joint Security Declaration Update: Both countries agreed to modernize the 2008 Joint Declaration to reflect the new security challenges and priorities in the evolving global landscape.
- Counterterrorism Efforts: There was a unified voice against terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing the elimination of terrorist safe havens and the disruption of their financial and operational networks.
- Role of Women in Peace Processes: Both nations supported the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, which promotes women’s involvement in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, rooted in the principles of UNSCR 1325.
India-Japan Relationship
- Historical Beginnings: The relationship initiated in the 6th century with Buddhism’s introduction from India to Japan, influencing Japanese culture and philosophy significantly.
- Post-World War II Initiatives: In 1949, a symbolic gesture by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru involving the donation of an elephant to Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo marked the renewal of post-WWII relations.
- Diplomatic Milestones: The 1952 peace treaty established formal diplomatic connections as one of Japan’s initial post-war agreements.
- Economic Support Post-WWII: Post-war economic recovery in Japan was significantly aided by Indian iron ore, with financial support through yen loans starting in 1958.
Strategic Partnerships and Cooperation
- Deepening Ties in the 2000s: The partnership was enhanced to a Global Partnership and later to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership by 2014, emphasizing the increasing significance of bilateral relations.
- Vision for Future Cooperation: The “Japan and India Vision 2025” formulated in 2015, outlines continued collaborative goals.
- Security Collaborations: The 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation laid the groundwork for ongoing dialogues, including the “2+2” meetings and the signing of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) in 2020.
- Economic Relations: By 2021, Japan stood as India’s 13th largest trading partner and fifth largest investor, showcasing robust economic ties.
Initiatives and Agreements
- Industrial and Energy Partnerships: Initiatives like the “India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership” and “Clean Energy Partnership” focus on mutual investments and enhancing energy cooperation.
- Cultural and Social Exchanges: The sister-city agreement between Ahmedabad and Kobe in 2019 builds on previous agreements, promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing city-level cooperation.
- Significant Investments: Japan’s commitment includes a substantial investment of approximately 5 trillion yen aimed at future projects, evidencing deep financial engagement.
- Official Development Assistance: India remains the largest beneficiary of Japanese ODA, with key projects like the Delhi Metro and the High-Speed Railway initiative showcasing significant cooperation.
Cultural and Regional Engagements
- Promoting Cultural Ties: 2017 was marked as the Year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges, enhancing cultural relations between the two nations.
- Broadening Regional Cooperation: The Japan-Southwest Asia Exchange Year in 2022 highlights Japan’s efforts to strengthen ties with India and other regions in Southwest Asia, promoting broader regional connectivity and cooperation.
-Source: The Hindu
