India, Japan Strengthen Defence, Security Cooperation
India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening defence and security cooperation between them with the holding of an important bilateral meeting in New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and visiting Japanese Defence Minister Kihara Minoru met together with the India-Japan ‘2+2’ Ministerial Dialogue to discuss and take forward strategic cooperation.
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
The two Ministers reviewed ongoing defence cooperation activities during the high-level discussion and explored new areas for collaboration. The dialogue once again brought out the requirement of taking the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan to newer heights, underpinning a shared commitment toward regional peace and stability.
The meeting underlined the expanding scope and frequency of joint defence exercises and exchanges between the two countries. Both sides committed to their expansion, as also to increasing its complexity and diversity going forward. This would indeed span the linking up of advanced defence equipment, technological cooperation, and critical emerging technology domains into their collaborative pursuits.
Emphasis on Technological and Industrial Cooperation
Discussions have resulted in an agreement on increased industrial cooperation, especially with regard to the domestic “Make-in-India” initiative. The Ministers discussed how to deepen the partnership in co-production and co-development of defense equipment according to India’s broader vision.
A developed India-‘Viksit Bharat’-by 2047, envisioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the centenary year of independence, has to be underlined with advancing domestic defense technology and industry. It is in this context that Singh reminded the audience of the importance of Japanese collaboration for attaining these goals. In other words, such collaboration will help both nations build on their relative strengths to develop strategic objectives.
Way Forward for Deeper Bilateral Cooperation
Both Defence Ministers agreed that an overarching roadmap for their partnership is now in order. The roadmap will be in line with India’s strategic objectives for 2047, highlighting various initiatives and goals for their defense cooperation. In the works, most probably, are technology transfers, joint R&D projects, and strategic exchanges.
After the meeting, Rajnath Singh posted on social media (formerly Twitter) the positive outcome of the discussions. He wrote, “Had an excellent meeting with my Japanese counterpart, Mr Kihara Minoru. We reviewed the full range of India-Japan defence ties and agreed to further strengthen engagements between the two countries. We also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
Broader Implications for Regional Stability
It is the relations between India and Japan that are really fortifying, which will have more widespread effects on the stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Being regional heavies themselves, these countries obviously want to secure and establish the stability and security environment through stronger strategic partnership. The dynamics of regional security, therefore, are going to be indirectly influenced by the partnership of two nations that are interested in reinforcing mutual interests for the cause of peace and stability.
Beyond this, India and Japan are most likely to deepen collaboration with other like-minded countries and regional multilateral forums in the face of common threats to security. The ongoing collaboration reflects a growing convergence of the strategic priorities of the two sides and enhanced focusing towards addressing the emerging threats and opportunities in the region.
It can hardly stand otherwise: as India and Japan push ahead on enhanced defence cooperation, their strategic partnership will be driven further in the interest of common regional security and stability.
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