The India-Japan Security Relationship: An Enduring Security Partnership?

Abstract

In 2008, India and Japan made a joint security declaration while asserting that a strategic partnership between the two countries would become an essential pillar for the future architecture of the region. This article examines whether the security declaration is a step toward building an enduring security partnership. It will consider perceptions in Japan and India of the bilateral security relationship, proposals for how to give it substance, and key issues that may impede the deepening of the relationship. This article will conclude that although there is no clear consensus as to the substance of the relationship, the relationship between India and Japan is likely to grow in coming years.

India–Japan Security Cooperation: A New Era of Partnership in Asia

“…Abe, in particular, had a strong belief in the key role of India in Japan's future, claiming that the IndiaÁJapan relationship ''will be the most important bilateral relationship [for Japan] in the world''. 29 He emphasised the importance of coming together of the two maritime nations in his concept of ''broader Asia'', which takes shape at the ''confluence of the two seas'' of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 30 His Foreign Minister Aso had sought to provide an ideological basis for the relationship through his ''Arc of Freedom and Prosperity'' initiative, which he proposed in his address at the Japan Institute of International Affairs in November 2006.…”

India's HADR Operations in the Past Decade

“…India's display of sympathy during this trying period reaffirmed the friendship and solidarity ties between the two nations, highlighting the significance of collaboration in times of crisis. (Brewster, 2015) CHAPTER 9…”

The Rise of China and Evolving Defense Cooperation between India and Japan

“…As the exisiting literature highlights, the growing importance of India-Japan defense cooperation can be understood as a response to the changing regional security environment, particularly in the context of China's rise. The partnership between the two countries is seen as a crucial component of their broader strategic objectives, which are aimed at promoting regional stability and ensuring a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region (Auslin 2016;Liff 2015;Pant 2007;Naidu 2007;Brewster 2010bBrewster , 2013Brewster , 2014Naidu and Yasuyuki 2019;Fravel 2018;Kinne and Bunte 2020;Chakraborty 2020;Burgess and Beilstein 2018;Harner 2014;Panda 2012).…”

“…2023, 12, 333 2 of 14 the India-Japanese defense cooperation as a response to the changing regional security environment, particularly in the context of China's rise. The partnership between the two countries is seen as a crucial component of their broader strategic objectives, which are aimed at promoting regional stability and ensuring a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region (Auslin 2016;Liff 2015;Pant 2007;Naidu 2007;Brewster 2010a;Naidu and Yasuyuki 2019;Fravel 2018;Brewster 2013;Brewster 2014;Kinne and Bunte 2020;Chakraborty 2020;Burgess and Beilstein 2018;Harner 2014;Panda 2012). While the existing literature acknowledges China's rising influence as a major background for the India-Japanese security cooperation, it appears to overlook the dynamics behind India's changing stance towards this partnership.…”