भारत-जापान संबंधों को आगे की विकास के लिए वास्तविकता की आवश्यकता है।

India-Japan ties need a reality check for further growth

India-Japan relations require a reality check to foster continued growth, emphasizing pragmatism, cooperation, economic prosperity, strategic alignment, and security concerns.

Global News
364
07, Mar, 2024

Jivika Chawla

@JivikaChawla

India-Japan ties need a reality check for further growth

During his ongoing three-day visit to Japan (March 6-8), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the natural alliance between India and Japan. Both countries, part of the QUAD alliance with Australia and the US, aim to counterbalance authoritarian China on the global stage. While engaging in a strategic dialogue with Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa, Jaishankar conveyed that Japan needs to adapt to the evolving nature of India, shedding any historical baggage.

In diplomatic language, Jaishankar hinted that Japan must embrace a forward-looking approach for a dynamic bilateral relationship. The emphasis is on crafting new rules of engagement, and he underscored that if Japan adopts a transactional stance, withholding advanced technology from its QUAD ally, the bilateral ties might stagnate.

The need for a recalibration becomes evident when examining trade dynamics. Despite Japanese car manufacturers operating in India for 25 years, the total car exports from India to Japan have not exceeded USD 5 billion. In contrast, Apple, utilizing its one lakh mobile manufacturing facilities in India during 2022-2023, exported iPhones worth nearly ₹65000 crore. This stark contrast underscores the potential for growth and collaboration between India and Japan, especially in technology and manufacturing.

Jaishankar's diplomatic manoeuvring suggests a desire for Japan to recognize India's economic and technological prowess and foster a more mutually beneficial relationship. The call for shedding the past legacy is an invitation to Japan to align with India's aspirations for progress and innovation.

The nuanced communication underscores the strategic importance of India-Japan ties in the QUAD framework and the broader geopolitical landscape. As both nations navigate their roles in the changing global order, the emphasis is on a collaborative, forward-looking partnership that benefits both countries in various domains, including technology, trade, and geopolitics.