Analyze the importance of the recent focus by India and Japan on upholding a rules-based international order and ensuring the peaceful resolution of conflicts. (10M, 150 words) [GS-2: India’s Bilateral Relations]

India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding and enhancing a rules-based international order, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, such as respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Both nations emphasized the importance of refraining from any unilateral actions that alter the status quo, as highlighted in their joint statement during the third Japan-India 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi.

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Strengthening Maritime and Defense Cooperation:

• The joint statement highlighted the exploration of future collaboration between the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Indian Navy in ship maintenance within India.
• Discussions were held regarding defense and security assistance to third countries to enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing their commitment to regional security.

Bilateral Security and Defense Initiatives:

• Both countries acknowledged the significance of Japan’s National Security Strategy (December 2022) in reinforcing bilateral security and defense ties.
• This collaboration was recognized as a key element of the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership, emphasizing their shared security interests.

Shared Vision for Indo-Pacific:

• India and Japan reaffirmed their strategic vision for a free, open, inclusive, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by economic resilience and adherence to a rules-based international order.
• They underscored their support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality, aligning with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which promotes openness, transparency, and respect for international law.

Progress in Security Dialogues:

• The ministers noted significant progress in various security dialogues, including the Defence Policy Dialogue, Cyber Dialogue, and consultations on disarmament, counter-terrorism, and other emerging issues.
• This progress reflects the deepening cooperation between India and Japan in addressing cross-cutting security challenges.

Conclusion

• Both nations strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism, particularly cross-border terrorism, and reiterated the need to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and Pathankot incidents to justice.
• The involvement of Japanese fighter jets in India’s Tarang Shakti multilateral exercise, alongside the maiden bilateral fighter exercise ‘Veer
• Guardian 2023,’ marked significant milestones in defense cooperation.
• The joint participation of all three military services in bilateral exercises in 2023 exemplifies the growing defense partnership between India and Japan, reinforcing their commitment to regional and global security.