India and Japan recently held the 13th edition of their Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, which saw both nations agreeing to establish a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in various aspects of cybersecurity like 5G network, Critical Information Infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence. This development holds significance for the future of international relations, particularly in the context of recent Indo-China tensions and cyber-security threats.
Cyber Security MoC: Enhancing Cooperation
The MoC aims to increase collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including capacity building in cyberspace, critical infrastructure protection, exchange of cybersecurity information, and setting up joint mechanisms for practical cooperation against cyber threats. Of note is the potential positive impact on stakeholders in the Indian 5G sector as it prepares for the participation of international operators.
This decision gains particular importance against a backdrop of potentially barring Chinese companies from entering the 5G sphere in India, owing to recent Indo-China conflicts, escalating cybersecurity threats because of Chinese cyber attacks, and China’s alleged involvement in hybrid data warfare.
Updating Japan’s Cybersecurity amidst Covid-19 Impact
Japan has been rejuvenating its cybersecurity strategy in response to a spate of cyber attacks. The need for robust cybersecurity measures has been magnified due to the Covid-19 pandemic forcing countries, organisations, and institutions to depend on digital technology heavily.
The strategic dialogue between India and Japan highlighted the strong partnership surviving through the challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supply Chain Resilience Initiative and the Importance of the Indo-Pacific Region
Japan proposed the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) as a triangular approach to trade with India and Australia being key partners. This move comes amidst heightening trade tensions between the US and China threatening supply chains.
Both India and Japan share similar visions for the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The dialogue also saw discussions on the increasing need to counter Chinese aggression in the region.
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – India’s contribution
At the East Asia Summit in November 2019, India launched the IPOI focusing on seven central pillars ranging from Maritime Security to Trade Connectivity, and Maritime Transport.
Issue of Abduction of Japanese Nationals by North Korea
In the dialogue, the matter of abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korean government agents was raised with India offering support for a resolution.
Recent Developments in India-Japan Relations
In recent times, India and Japan signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), allowing for closer coordination between both nations’ armed forces in services and supplies.
In 2019, both countries had their first-ever 2+2 ministerial-level dialogue involving their defence and foreign ministers.
Both are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) with the second Ministerial meeting of Quad countries being held in Japan recently.
Furthermore, during Prime Minister of India’s visit to Japan in October 2018, the “India-Japan Digital Partnership” (I-JDP) was launched. This partnership expands the existing areas of cooperation as well as introduces new initiatives within the scope of S&T/ICT cooperation, focusing more on “Digital ICT Technologies”.
Both countries conduct a series of bilateral exercises in the form of JIMEX, SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian. They also participate in Malabar exercise with the USA.
Way Forward
India could be benefitting heavily from Japan’s sophisticated technology, providing possibilities for collaboration and cooperation between both nations. Joint ventures can bring together Japanese digital technology and Indian raw materials and labor to monumental effect.
A closer cooperation is essential to thwart China’s growing influence in Asia and the Indo-Pacific, both in physical and digital spaces.
