Japan 's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi this week, arrived in India aiming for a more robust economic and security collaboration; however, experts suggest the central issue lies in how much New Delhi intends to support Tokyo's China-oriented Indo-Pacific approach.
Takaichi met with her Indian equivalent, Takaichi engaged in discussions with her Indian counterpart, Takaichi had conversations with her Indian counterpart, Takaichi spoke with her Indian counterpart, Takaichi conducted meetings with her Indian opposite number, Takaichi exchanged views with her Indian counterpart, Takaichi had dialogue with her Indian counterpart, Takaichi was involved in talks with her Indian counterpart, Takaichi maintained communication with her Indian counterpart, Takaichi carried out exchanges with her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi held in Delhi on Thursday, with financial stability, military partnership, and joint efforts in cutting-edge technology taking center stage.
Experts believe the main objective of the three-day visit is to strengthen a group of countries worried about China's increasing presence in the Indo-Pacific area, at the same time offering Takaichi an opportunity for success amid declining public approval due to financial difficulties faced by many everyday Japanese citizens.
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Economic stability and safety would hold significant importance for Japan and India , as Takaichi aims to "speed up Japan's security shift and demonstrate that India plays a key role in this," said Ben Ascione, an assistant professor of politics and international relations at Waseda University in Tokyo, during This Week in Asia.
However, how much and in which ways India will adopt these perspectives is yet uncertain.
Ascione explained that the concept of Tokyo's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" foreign policy initiative aimed to go beyond traditional Asian-Pacific regionalism by strengthening ties with India as a balancing force against China.
He stated, 'The issue lies in India's readiness to assume that position fluctuates based on its rapport with China at any particular moment.'
During periods of border clashes between India and China, both countries showed greater readiness to collaborate with the United States and Japan, yet when tensions eased, India became less inclined to take the actions that Japanese defense advocates desire from them.
Currently, the border remains calm—though Ascione acknowledges this situation might shift abruptly—and as a result, India is less inclined to respond favorably to Tokyo's requests.
Shortly after arriving in Delhi on Wednesday night, Takaichi stated her intention to enhance the "special strategic global partnership."
During talks with Prime Minister Modi, focusing on pressing matters such as economic security and energy security, she stated that they intend to enhance the strategic partnership between Japan and India considering the present global circumstances, encourage reciprocal collaboration, and reinforce the Japan-India "Special Strategic Global Partnership."
Japanese firms are making significant investments in Indian tech manufacturing, including the construction of a major semiconductor facility in northeastern India, with further funding anticipated as both nations move toward reducing dependence on China for semiconductors and other technologies vulnerable to trade limitations imposed by Beijing.
Talks would also include carrying out two-way trade using rupees and yen, allowing both parties to avoid transactions in U.S. dollars, according to the Nikkei report.
The two governments are anticipated to establish a storage collaboration for liquefied natural gas in response to disruptions in international supply networks, exemplified by the tension between the United States and Iran.
Further accords are anticipated concerning data exchange, mining supply networks, collaboration in artificial intelligence, and additional emerging innovations. Takaichi will also introduce a program enabling Indian professionals possessing essential technological expertise to be employed in Japan.
However, the main worry of the Japanese leader is the challenge presented by China, as stated by Toshimitsu Shigemura, an international relations professor at Waseda University in Tokyo.
"Many conversations will focus on economic matters, yet it remains challenging to disregard the impact of both nations' ties with China as a source of mutual worry," he stated.
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Shigemura further noted that Tokyo has pursued an explicit diplomatic campaign since Takaichi's victory in February aimed at strengthening security partnerships with additional countries and entities.
Advancements have been achieved in uniting the military forces of Japan and South Korea for exercises related to air and sea operations, even though many people in Seoul have concerns because of the historical ties between the two countries.
Japan is also aiming to enhance defense capabilities in various Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia, which both face territorial disagreements with Beijing's extensive assertions over the South China Sea.
Japan has conducted military drills involving forces from Britain, France, Italy, and Germany, along with maneuvers alongside its traditional security partner, the United States. Tokyo is also leveraging its observer role to enhance involvement in NATO gatherings.
The main focus of Japan's current foreign policy is forming an alliance strong enough to counter China," Shigemura stated. "Advancing this strategy would be a straightforward success, which could gain popularity during a period when she faces challenges in public opinion due to the country's economic conditions.
Ascione states that the strategy of limiting China's influence is not recent and can be traced back to at least the time of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, although the necessity for forming a new alliance seems increasingly crucial today.
"Outwardly, Takaichi is making an effort to commend [U.S. President] Donald Trump and consistently emphasize the significance of the U.S. security partnership. However, within private discussions in Tokyo, they are striving to expand their options and seek additional security allies both in the region and further afield," he stated.
Japan recognizes that significant efforts are required in this field due to the unpredictability of the US during Trump's administration.
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