‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (UPSC 2019)

India and Japan now share interests that go far beyond trade. Their partnership has matured into a strategic one, shaped by converging views on the Indo-Pacific, maritime security, technology and resilient supply chains.

• Strategic convergence: India’s SAGAR and IPOI align with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific, helping maintain a rules-based regional order.
• Defence cooperation: A maritime security MoA, joint exercises, and co-development of equipment such as Project UNICORN show growing trust.
• Economic depth: Japanese investment, the bullet train project, and expanding trade link infrastructure with growth.
• Future-facing sectors: Cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, AI, telecom and space, including the LUPEX mission, adds long-term value.

This relationship matters for Asia because it supports stability, connectivity and supply chain resilience in an uncertain region. For the world, it offers a model of democratic, technology-driven and sustainable cooperation. India and Japan should now use this momentum to build a truly global strategic partnership.