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Bilateral relations between India and Japan attained a new height when the leaders of both the countries signed a joint declaration on security cooperation on October 22, 2008, in Tokyo. The fact, that India has become the third country after US and Australia to have this kind of security cooperation with Japan, speaks for the increasing importance of India for Japan. In strategic circles the declaration is being viewed as a significant development. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso denied media apprehensions that the aim of cooperation in the field of security is to contain China. Both the countries have healthy relations with China despite the fact that China rise is viewed with suspicion. This shows the pragmatism in the Indian policy as China’s economic might and India’s growing trade with it cannot be ignored while dealing with any country, be it Japan or the US.
According to the joint statement, a strong and prosperous India is in the interests of Japan and a strong and prosperous Japan is in the interests of India. Therefore, India and Japan have decided to create a comprehensive framework for the enhancement of security cooperation in several key areas. The security cooperation has been signed with larger designs in view, including regional and global strategic interests such as information sharing and policy coordination on regional and global affairs. Keen on playing more significant and active role in world affairs and also to promote international peace and prosperity, both countries have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation within the existing multilateral frameworks like East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). The statement also mentions that India and Japan will develop an action plan as soon as possible in this regard.
Other important areas covered under the joint statement are cooperation between Coast Guards, transport safety, terrorism and transnational crimes, peacekeeping and peace building, disaster management, disarmament and non-proliferation. The security ties will be strengthened by regularly holding dialogues at ministerial and secretarial level. Both the countries are also keen on expanding the bilateral exchanges of researchers and serving officials working for defence research institutes. Interestingly, although the cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been projected to mitigate disasters, it might heighten the concerns of other countries including China and Pakistan.
Several western countries and even the US have benefitted from Japanese technologies and investments. In fact, China, Korea and other East Asian countries owe a great deal to Japan for their economic growth. Japanese investment in India remained miniscule during the Cold War, but in the period post-9/11, India has emerged as a favourite destination for Japanese investors. Also owing to the technology denial regimes opposing Indian access to any kind of dual use technology, Japan strictly stood by the US and its allies during the Cold War. The ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic and global partnership between the two countries commenced in 2007. Further strengthening bilateral ties, the year 2007 was officially declared as “India-Japan Friendship Year.”
Bilateral relations between both the countries have moved from merely economic to strategic cooperation owing to Japan’s heavy reliance on shipping for its imports and exports. In order to secure the maritime routes for its freighters and oil tankers, particularly in the Malacca Straits between southern Thailand and Indonesia, India has become indispensable for Japan. More than a quarter of the world’s trade, and almost all the oil imports destined for Japan and China move through the strait. The Malacca Strait is highly vulnerable to the twin threats of piracy and terrorism. While Japan cannot extend the presence of its navy so far, India has a strategic foothold in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and can help to secure Japanese interests.
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces (MSDF) is providing rear echelon support to the US and its allies engaged in Afghanistan through refueling missions. Its regular military exercises with India and other countries in the Indian Ocean have enhanced the Japanese stakes in the region. Both India and Japan need secure seal-lanes to ensure uninterrupted supply of oil and other resources. For this a peaceful environment and stability in the region are prerequisites. Both countries have been organising frequent Coast Guard and naval exercises in the region to be prepared to deal with unwanted situations such as terrorist attacks. In order to improve interoperability, India and Japan held their first-ever joint naval exercise near the Boso Peninsula in central Japan in April, 2007.
Despite Japanese intransigence, India is hopeful of commencing bilateral nuclear trade with Japan. Japan acknowledges India’s problems; however, it has refused to commit anything in this regard owing to its domestic compulsions and commitment for non-proliferation and disarmament. The way the US and several other countries have been benefitted from Japanese technology, India can enhance its defence capabilities by making use of Japanese technological edge. Moreover, it should not be forgotten that the constitutionally pacifist Japan maintains one of the most sophisticated armed forces in the world with a considerably high defence budget and also enjoys security cover, the US nuclear umbrella. Notwithstanding all the challenges, through stronger security bonds the two mature democracies, Japan and India, can benefit mutually and contribute to peace and prosperity in the world.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views either of the Editorial Committee or the Centre for Land Warfare Studies)
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