Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2025 visit to Japan marked milestone in India-Japan relations. The 15th Annual Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reinforced a partnership rooted in shared values and strategic interests. This visit came amid evolving global challenges and regional dynamics, denoting cooperation across defence, trade, technology, and regional security.
Historical and Strategic Context
India and Japan share one of Asia’s oldest Annual Summit mechanisms. Their ties have evolved from a Global Partnership in 2000 to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership by 2014. The relationship is anchored in civilisational links and converging visions for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both democracies align closely on regional policies such as India’s Act East Policy and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative. Japan remains India’s largest Overseas Development Assistance donor.
Defence and Security Cooperation
Defence ties have deepened with key agreements on security cooperation, information sharing, and joint military exercises like Malabar, Milan, and JIMEX. The 2024-25 period saw enhanced interoperability through service chiefs’ participation and joint staff talks. India and Japan are updating their 2008 security framework to address new geopolitical realities and technology transfers. Defence ministers and military chiefs maintain regular dialogue to consolidate trust and strategic alignment.
Trade, Investment, and Economic Collaboration
Bilateral trade stood at $22.8 billion in 2023-24, with imports from Japan exceeding exports. Key Indian exports include chemicals and vehicles; imports focus on machinery and steel. Japan ranks as India’s fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment, with cumulative investments surpassing $43 billion. Over 1,400 Japanese firms operate in India, while more than 100 Indian companies have a presence in Japan. Emerging cooperation areas include digital technologies, semiconductors, clean energy, and supply chain resilience.
Infrastructure and Development Partnership
Japan is India’s largest ODA provider since 1958, supporting infrastructure and human development. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project exemplifies advanced technology transfer and skill building. Japan and India plan to expand mobility partnerships covering railways, roads, and bridges. ODA disbursements reached approximately $4.5 billion in 2023-24, underlining Japan’s crucial role in India’s infrastructure growth.
Multilateral and Regional Cooperation
India and Japan coordinate closely in plurilateral forums including the Quad, International Solar Alliance, and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative. Their cooperation aims to promote a stable, inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Discussions during the summit addressed evolving global trade policies and security commitments, reflecting concerns about shifts in US Indo-Pacific strategy.
People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges
2023-24 was designated the Year of Tourism Exchange, enhancing cultural ties. Over 665 academic partnerships exist between Indian and Japanese universities, supported by platforms like Edu-Connect. The Skill Connect initiative links Indian professionals with Japanese employers, addressing Japan’s demographic challenges. Approximately 54,000 Indians reside in Japan, primarily in IT and engineering sectors. Both nations are encouraging local government partnerships to boost exchanges and cooperation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the strategic importance of India-Japan relations in the context of the Indo-Pacific security environment.
- Analyse the role of Overseas Development Assistance in India’s infrastructure development, taking the India-Japan partnership as an example.
- With suitable examples, examine how multilateral forums like the Quad influence regional stability and economic cooperation in Asia.
- Discuss in the light of digital cooperation and clean energy initiatives how international partnerships can address global technological and environmental challenges.
