India-Japan

INDIA JAPAN 2+2

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Context: The third India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting was held in New Delhi on August 20, 2024.

Details

On August 20, 2024, India and Japan held their third "2+2" Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.
This high-level meeting was attended by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, alongside Japan’s Defence Minister Kihara Minoru and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
The dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and reinforcing the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

'2+2' Dialogue

●The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is an annual diplomatic summit that began in 2018, bringing together the Foreign and Defence Ministers of India and the United States to address shared concerns and enhance relations.

●In 2019, Japan joined the discussions, followed by Australia and Russia in 2021.

●The "2+2" dialogue format is a strategic framework used by India to engage in comprehensive discussions on defence and foreign policy with its key partners.

●This format highlights the importance of both diplomatic and military aspects in the bilateral relationship.

●It aims to address shared security concerns, enhance defence cooperation, and align strategies on regional and global issues.

Key Themes and Discussions

Commitment to International Order	●Both countries highlighted their dedication to a rules-based international order. ●Their commitment highlights the importance of the UN Charter principles, such as respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. ●They stressed the need for all nations to avoid unilateral actions that disrupt the status quo.
Free and Open Indo-Pacific	●The ministers highlighted their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. They emphasized the need for a region that is peaceful, prosperous, and resilient. ●Their support for ASEAN’s unity and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) reflects their commitment to principles like openness, transparency, and respect for international law
Regional and Global Cooperation	●Discussions focused on regional and global issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. ●Both countries highlighted the importance of their cooperation in the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), which includes Australia and the United States. ●They expressed a commitment to advancing this partnership to address regional challenges.
Enhancing Bilateral Security and Defence	●The meeting welcomed progress in bilateral security and defence cooperation, aligning with Japan’s National Security Strategy. This includes deepening collaboration through various dialogues and joint exercises, such as the "Veer Guardian" fighter exercise and "Tarang Shakti," a multilateral exercise hosted by India.
Expanding Dialogue and Cooperation	●Both sides recognized the importance of multilayered dialogues covering diverse security issues. ● They discussed expanding cooperation in new areas like space and cyber security. ●They also highlighted the advancement in defence technology, including robotics and communication systems.
Women, Peace, and Security	●The ministers acknowledged the crucial role of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. ●They welcomed progress in integrating women into peacekeeping efforts, highlighting the role of gender inclusivity in security.
People-to-People Exchanges	●The discussion also covered promoting people-to-people connections, with India establishing a new consulate in Fukuoka and planned cultural exchanges such as India Month in Japan and Japan Month in India.
Counter-Terrorism Efforts	●Both countries condemned terrorism and violent extremism, stressing the need for global cooperation to address threats from groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Future Collaborations	●The ministers agreed on revising the 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to address contemporary security challenges. ●They also planned for the next "2+2" meeting in Japan and a productive visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan.

India-Japan Relation

India and Japan share a rich history of diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges. Their bilateral relationship has evolved significantly over the years, marked by strong cooperation across various sectors.
India and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1952. Since then, their relationship has been guided by mutual respect and shared values, including democracy, rule of law, and commitment to peace

Japan

●Japan is an archipelago consisting of four major islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—along with thousands of smaller islands.

●It is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Sea of Okhotsk to the north, and the East China Sea to the south.

●Approximately 73% of Japan's terrain is mountainous. The Japanese Alps, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Kyushu Mountains are prominent features.

●Japan lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Notable volcanoes include Mount Fuji and Mount Aso.

Economic Engagement

In the decades following the establishment of diplomatic relations, the economic ties between Japan and India have strengthened. Initially, India’s iron ore was crucial for Japan’s post-war recovery. Over time, the economic relationship expanded significantly.

Trade: Trade between Japan and India has grown steadily.
- - In the fiscal year 2023, the trade relationship between India and Japan reached a significant milestone, with bilateral trade totalling approximately US$ 21.96 billion.
Exports and Imports:
- - From Japan to India: Japan exported goods worth US$ 16.49 billion to India. India’s imports from Japan include high-value items such as nuclear reactors, copper products, and electrical equipment.
  - From India to Japan: India exported goods worth US$ 5.46 billion to Japan.
    - Engineering goods, organic chemicals, and marine products are some of the significant exports from India to Japan. For instance, engineering goods alone amounted to US$ 1.18 billion.
  - Direct Investment: Japanese direct investment in India has also seen substantial growth. In FY2021, Japan was the 5th largest investor in India.
    - The investment figures reached ¥641 billion in FY2022, indicating increased interest and confidence in the Indian market.
  - Economic Assistance: Japan has been a significant provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to India. Notable projects include the Delhi Metro and the introduction of Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train) system.

Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges

Anniversaries and Events: The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2012 was marked by various cultural events in both countries. The year 2017 was declared the Year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Cultural Agreement.
Cultural Initiatives: In 2022, Japan designated the year as the “Japan-Southwest Asia Exchange Year,” aiming to strengthen ties with countries like India.
As of October 2023, there are 8,197 Japanese nationals living in India and 46,262 Indian nationals residing in Japan. This increasing movement of people reflects the growing personal and professional connections between the two nations.

Strategic and Security Cooperation

2+2 Ministerial Meetings: The "2+2" dialogue format, involving meetings of Defence and Foreign Ministers from both nations, underscores the strategic depth of their relationship.
Quad Partnership: Both India and Japan are integral members of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) along with the United States and Australia. This partnership aims to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, countering regional threats and promoting collective security.

Significance of India-Japan Relation

Economic Cooperation

●Trade and Investment: Japan is a major economic partner for India. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately $21.96 billion.

Japan's investment in India is substantial, with companies like Toyota, Honda, and Sony playing a significant role in India's industrial and technological sectors.
Maruti Suzuki, a collaboration between India's Maruti and Japan's Suzuki, dominates the Indian automobile market.

● Infrastructure Development: Japan has been a key partner in several key infrastructure projects in India.

The Delhi Metro, a major public transportation project, was significantly funded and developed with Japanese support.
This project has revolutionized public transit in Delhi, reducing traffic congestion and pollution while enhancing the city’s connectivity¹.

●Official Development Assistance (ODA): India is the largest recipient of Japanese ODA, which has funded various projects across India.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor project, supported by Japanese financing, aims to modernize rail travel between these two major cities, boosting economic activity and reducing travel time.

Strategic and Political Partnership

●Shared Democratic Values: India and Japan are both democratic nations that uphold values such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.

This shared commitment to democratic principles strengthens their strategic partnership and fosters mutual respect.

●Regional Security: The two countries collaborate on regional security through joint military exercises and strategic dialogues.

The Malabar naval exercise, involving India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, is a prime example.
These exercises enhance their military interoperability and contribute to regional stability.

●Indo-Pacific Strategy: Both India and Japan are key players in the Indo-Pacific region.

They work together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering the influence of other regional powers and ensuring stability in this crucial area.
This cooperation is vital for maintaining peace and security in the region.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

●Historical Connections: The cultural connection between India and Japan dates back to the spread of Buddhism from India to Japan. This deep historical link develops a strong sense of shared heritage and mutual respect.

●Educational Exchanges: Educational exchanges between the two countries are growing.

Japanese language courses are becoming popular in India, and many Indian students are pursuing higher education in Japan.
These exchanges build strong people-to-people connections and enhance mutual understanding.

●Tourism: Tourism is a growing aspect of the India-Japan relationship.

Japanese tourists visit India to explore its rich cultural heritage, while Indian tourists are attracted to Japan’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Challenges in India-Japan Relations

Trade Imbalances and Market Access

There are issues related to trade imbalances and market access. India faces a trade deficit with Japan, meaning it imports more from Japan than it exports.
Indian businesses sometimes encounter barriers when trying to enter the Japanese market due to stringent regulations and high standards.
Japan has high standards for product quality and safety.
- - Indian exporters, particularly in sectors like agriculture and pharmaceuticals, often struggle to meet these standards, affecting their ability to penetrate the Japanese market effectively.

Infrastructure and Project Execution

Collaborative projects, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), face delays and execution challenges. Issues like bureaucratic red tape, land acquisition problems, and project financing can hinder progress.

Strategic and Regional Tensions

While India and Japan share strategic interests, regional tensions and geopolitical dynamics can impact their collaboration.
China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region is a concern for both countries, but their strategies to address this issue may not always align perfectly.
- - India’s approach to dealing with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Japan’s response to regional security challenges sometimes diverge, creating complexities in their joint strategic efforts.

Cultural and Language Barriers

Despite increasing exchanges, cultural and language differences can still pose challenges. These differences can affect business negotiations, diplomatic interactions, and the effectiveness of people-to-people exchanges.
Differences in business protocol and communication styles can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or inefficiencies in negotiations between Indian and Japanese companies.

Way Forward

Enhancing Economic Cooperation

To address trade imbalances and market access issues, both countries should focus on enhancing economic cooperation.
- - This includes negotiating better trade agreements, reducing tariffs, and facilitating smoother market entry for Indian businesses.
India and Japan could work towards streamlining the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to streamline trade regulations, improve market access, and boost bilateral trade.

Improving Project Execution

Streamlining bureaucratic processes and addressing land acquisition challenges are crucial for improving project execution.
- - Both governments need to ensure timely resolution of issues and provide support for efficient project management.
Implementing a dedicated project management framework and a single-window clearance system for large-scale infrastructure projects could help overcome administrative hurdles and expedite project completion.

Strengthening Strategic and Regional Cooperation

India and Japan should continue to collaborate on regional security issues while addressing their differences in strategies.
- - Joint initiatives on regional security and stability, as well as engaging in regular dialogues, can help align their approaches.
Strengthening trilateral cooperation with the United States, which shares strategic interests with both India and Japan, can help in addressing regional security concerns and balancing China’s influence.

Promoting Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Increasing cultural and educational exchanges can bridge the gap created by cultural and language barriers. Programs that promote mutual understanding and respect can enhance diplomatic and business interactions.
Expanding scholarships, exchange programs, and cultural initiatives that focus on learning each other's languages and traditions can help build stronger interpersonal relationships and improve collaboration.

Conclusion

The India-Japan "2+2" dialogue highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. By addressing regional security challenges, enhancing defence cooperation, and navigating geopolitical complexities, India and Japan are set to strengthen their alliance and contribute positively to regional and global stability.

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Source:

The Hindu

Ministry of External Affairs

The diplomat

Japan News

India Brand Equity Foundation

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following sequences correctly describes the geographic positioning of the main islands of Japan from north to south?

A) Kyushu - Shikoku - Honshu - Hokkaido