Vivek Raina
The partnership between Japan and India has developed into a key component of modern Indo-Pacific geopolitics, signifying a change from an economic partnership to a full strategic alignment. This collaboration, which is based on a commitment to a rules-based system, mutual trust and shared democratic principles, is now crucial in tackling new regional issues.
This document highlights how India and Japan are changing their engagement from transactional cooperation into a forward-looking strategic enterprise by further aligning their views and capacities to foster stability, resilience and inclusive prosperity as the Indo-Pacific power dynamics continue to change.
Context
India-Japan collaboration has become one of the key strategic alliances of the twenty-first century, with results that go well beyond bilateral interaction. A fully institutionalised, all-encompassing strategic alliance based on common democratic ideals, the rule of law and a shared commitment to regional stability has developed from what started as an economic association focused on the trade of cars and electronics. These days, this partnership is motivated by a distinct convergence of geopolitical interests, especially in reaction to the Indo-Pacific region’s changing power dynamics. Its fundamental goal is to maintain a rules-based international order and guarantee the continued freedom, openness, inclusivity and security of the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to enhancing bilateral relations, India and Japan are influencing the larger regional architecture through collaboration in vital areas like supply chain resilience, infrastructure development, maritime security and emerging technologies. As a result, this collaboration is now transformational rather than transactional, establishing both countries as key players in preserving security and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Importance of the Indo-Pacific
Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a central pillar of global geopolitics and economics, making it critically important for both India and Japan. Spanning Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, it accounts for over 60% of global GDP and nearly 65% of the world’s population, positioning it as the core of global economic activity. The region hosts vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and key maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Malacca, through which a significant portion of global trade and energy supplies flow, making maritime security and stability in areas like the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal essential. For India and Japan, the Indo-Pacific is also a strategic space to counterbalance China’s growing influence, particularly through coordinated infrastructure and connectivity initiatives in countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as alternatives to the Belt and Road Initiative, alongside cooperation with partners such as the United States, Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Both countries advocate a Free and Open Indo-Pacific based on rule of law, freedom of navigation and an inclusive, rules-based economic order. The region’s strategic importance is further reinforced by ASEAN’s central role in linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with India supporting a unified ASEAN to ensure regional stability and prevent fragmentation. Additionally, the Indo-Pacific sits at the crossroads of global energy flows and supply chains, with a substantial share of global exports and millions of barrels of crude oil transiting through it annually, making its security vital for economic resilience. Together, these factors underscore why the Indo-Pacific is not only a geographic construct but a strategic imperative for India and Japan in shaping a stable, balanced, and prosperous regional order.
India–Japan Partnership in the Indo-Pacific
Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision has emerged as one of the most influential strategic frameworks shaping regional geopolitics over the past decade. Conceived to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free, inclusive, rules-based, and open to commerce, FOIP reflects Tokyo’s response to shifting power balances, maritime insecurity and the growing salience of connectivity and economic resilience. For India, FOIP has not only complemented its own strategic outlook but has also deepened one of its most consequential partnerships with Japan.
At its core, FOIP is anchored in three principles: the rule of law, freedom of navigation and the promotion of connectivity through quality infrastructure. These principles resonate strongly with India’s own vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and its broader Indo-Pacific policy. The convergence is not accidental. Both India and Japan are maritime democracies with a shared interest in maintaining stability across vital sea lanes that carry energy supplies, trade and digital connectivity.
The India–Japan partnership has evolved significantly in tandem with FOIP. What began as an economic relationship has matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing defence, infrastructure, technology and multilateral coordination. The institutionalisation of this partnership is evident in regular 2+2 ministerial dialogues, defence exercises such as Malabar and increasing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. These developments are not merely symbolic; they reflect a shared understanding that maritime security is central to regional stability.
A key dimension of FOIP is connectivity, where Japan has played a pivotal role in supporting infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. In India, Japanese investments in projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor and industrial corridors underscore a commitment to high-quality, transparent and sustainable infrastructure. Beyond India, both countries have collaborated in third-country projects, particularly in South Asia and Africa, offering alternatives to debt-driven infrastructure models. This cooperative approach strengthens regional resilience while reinforcing norms of transparency and sustainability.
FOIP also intersects with the evolving role of minilateral groupings, most notably the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. While FOIP predates the revival of the Quad, it has provided an intellectual and strategic foundation for its agenda. For India and Japan, the Quad is not a military alliance but a platform for coordinating responses to shared challenges, including maritime security, disaster relief, supply chain resilience and emerging technologies. This flexible, issue-based cooperation reflects the pragmatic nature of FOIP.
The economic dimension of FOIP is equally significant. The Indo-Pacific accounts for a substantial share of global GDP and trade and disruptions in this region have far-reaching consequences. India and Japan have increasingly aligned their economic strategies, particularly in supply chain diversification. Initiatives such as the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) aim to reduce overdependence on single sources and build robust, diversified networks. This has gained urgency in the wake of global disruptions caused by pandemics and geopolitical tensions.
However, FOIP is not without its challenges. The region remains marked by strategic competition, contested maritime claims and differing interpretations of international law. For India, balancing its strategic autonomy with deeper alignment under FOIP requires careful calibration. Japan, too, must navigate its constitutional constraints and domestic debates on security policy. Despite these challenges, both countries have demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing a rules-based order.
Another critical aspect of FOIP is its emphasis on inclusivity. Unlike rigid alliance structures, FOIP is designed to be open and adaptable, allowing participation from a wide range of partners. India’s engagement with ASEAN, for instance, aligns closely with FOIP’s emphasis on centrality and inclusiveness. Both India and Japan recognise that regional stability cannot be achieved without accommodating diverse interests and ensuring that smaller states are not marginalised.
Looking ahead, the India-Japan partnership under FOIP is likely to deepen further across emerging domains. Cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space and critical technologies is already gaining traction. As warfare and competition increasingly shift into these domains, the ability of India and Japan to coordinate policy and capability development will be crucial. Additionally, climate change and energy security present new avenues for collaboration, particularly in green technologies and sustainable development.
In strategic terms, FOIP represents more than a policy framework; it is a statement of intent about the kind of regional order India and Japan seek to uphold. It reflects a shared belief that stability, prosperity and security are interlinked and must be pursued collectively. For India, FOIP provides an opportunity to expand its strategic footprint while maintaining its independent decision-making. For Japan, it offers a pathway to play a more proactive role in regional security and governance.
Ultimately, the success of FOIP will depend on its ability to deliver tangible outcomes, secure sea lanes, resilient supply chains and inclusive growth. In this endeavour, the India-Japan partnership stands as a cornerstone. As both countries navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, their alignment under FOIP will continue to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific.
Concluding Observations
Indo-Pacific is becoming the centre of global power and India and Japan are working closely to keep it stable and open for all. Their partnership is not just about strategy but about shared values like cooperation, security, and fair growth. While challenges remain, both countries are steadily building trust and capability together. Going forward, India and Japan’s joint efforts will play a key role in shaping a balanced, peaceful and prosperous region for everyone and are the architects of new era.
(Author Vivek Raina is Manager, Outreach & Dissemination at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies (CIHS)
CIHS - Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies 