India-Japan Act East Forum Meet
The fifth joint meeting of the India-Japan Act East Forum marked another step in the robust partnership between the two nations. Held in New Delhi and co-chaired by Ambassador of Japan to India, Suzuki Satoshi, and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the meeting aimed to enhance collaboration and progress across various sectors in the North Eastern Region of India. The forum discussed ongoing projects encompassing hydropower, connectivity, sustainable development, skill development, and water resource utilization.
The joint meeting also delved into the status of bilateral cooperation initiatives between India and Japan, highlighting the continuous exchange of insights and experiences. The discussion extended to include novel areas such as agro-industries, healthcare, bamboo value chain development, tourism, smart cities, and people-to-people interactions.
The Act East Forum, established in 2017, serves as a significant platform for India and Japan to align their goals and strategies in the Indo-Pacific region. Envisioned under India’s “Act East Policy,” the forum focuses on fostering economic growth in India’s North Eastern Region. By identifying specific projects related to infrastructure, connectivity, culture, industry, and sports, the forum amplifies the two nations’ commitment to regional development.
UPSC Prelims Topics:
- India-Japan Act East Forum: A collaborative platform established in 2017 for promoting economic growth and development in India’s North Eastern Region.
- Co-Chairs of the Meeting: Ambassador of Japan to India, Suzuki Satoshi, and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
- Bilateral Cooperation: Joint efforts between India and Japan in diverse sectors, such as hydropower, connectivity, skill development, and more.
- Agro-Industries and SMEs: Novel areas of cooperation between the two nations to bolster economic growth and sustainability.
UPSC Mains / Interview Questions:
- How does the Act East Forum contribute to India’s regional policy and cooperation with Japan?
Answer: The Act East Forum provides a collaborative platform for India and Japan to align their strategies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting economic growth and development, and fostering deeper bilateral cooperation. - Enumerate the sectors discussed during the fifth joint meeting of the India-Japan Act East Forum and explain their significance in the context of India’s development.
Answer: The sectors discussed included hydropower, connectivity, sustainable development, skill development, and water resource utilization. These sectors play a pivotal role in promoting infrastructure, economic growth, and sustainable practices in India’s North Eastern Region. - How does the Act East Forum contribute to Japan’s vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”?
Answer: The forum aligns with Japan’s vision by promoting cooperation and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering economic growth, connectivity, and shared values. - Discuss the significance of the Act East Forum’s focus on agro-industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Answer: The inclusion of agro-industries and SMEs showcases a broader perspective on economic development, focusing on sectors that can drive growth, employment, and innovation, thereby contributing to sustainable development. - How does the Act East Policy align with India’s efforts to promote connectivity, culture, industry, and sports in the North Eastern Region?
Answer: The Act East Policy emphasizes enhanced connectivity, economic development through industrial growth, cultural exchanges, and sports-related activities, ultimately fostering a comprehensive approach to regional development. - In what ways does the Act East Forum contribute to people-to-people exchanges between India and Japan?
Answer: The forum promotes people-to-people interactions through cultural exchanges, tourism collaborations, and shared initiatives, strengthening the ties and understanding between the citizens of both countries.