India Japan Relations

Motivated primarily by shared concerns about China – developing a closer defence partnership defined by regular maritime exercises and highlevel political consultations.

Complementarities between the two countries

Japan’s ageing population and India’s youthful dynamism
India’s rich natural and human resources and Japan’s advanced technology
India’s prowess in services and Japan’s excellence in manufacturing
Japan’s surplus capital for investments and India’s large and growing markets & middle class

Also read: India Pakistan Relations and India China Relations

Cooperation from Japan

Japan has been extending bilateral loan and grant assistance to India since 1958. Japan is the largest bilateral donor to India in priority areas like power, transportation, environmental projects & Infra development –

New Delhi metro network.

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor

Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor

Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor

Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
To build upon cooperation in the field of smart cities
Modernisation and expansion of conventional railway system in India
Consolidation of security and defence cooperation
MOU between JAXA and ISRO concerning Cooperation in the Field of Outer Space
A dedicated task force having representatives of both countries for phased transfer of technology for success of Make in India

India Japan Civil Nuclear Deal, 2016

Enables Japan to export nuclear power plant technology as well as provide finance for nuclear power plants in India
Now Companies involved in nuclear reactor programme of India can source the most critical equipment in a reactor — Steel reactor vessel from Japan
A major achievement for India as it is Japan’s first civilian nuclear cooperation pact with a country that has not signed the nuclear NPT
The agreement confirms India’s position in front of the world as a responsible nuclear nation which uses nuclear energy peacefully
Will boost India’s strategy to pursue a low-carbon growth model in decades to come

Asia Africa Growth Corridor

Indian and Japanese governments unveiled a vision document for the Asia Africa Growth Corridor.
It is an attempt to create a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” by rediscovering ancient sea-routes and creating new sea corridors that will link the African continent with India and countries in South-Asia and South-East Asia.

Japan’s contribution to the project will be its state-of-the-art technology and ability to build quality infrastructure, while India will bring in its expertise of working in Africa.
Unlike China’s OBOR project Asia Africa Growth Corridor is conceived as a more open and inclusive programme that will be based on more consultations and keep people as the centre piece rather than just trade and economic ties.

Here are 10 key points summarizing India–Japan relations:

Strategic Partnership: India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014, highlighting deepening bilateral ties.
Economic Cooperation: Japan is one of India’s largest investors, especially in infrastructure, technology, and energy sectors.
Defense Collaboration: Both nations conduct regular joint military exercises like Dharma Guardian and Malabar Naval Exercise (with the U.S.), enhancing defense interoperability.
Infrastructure Projects: Japan is a key partner in major projects like the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train and the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor.
Free and Open Indo-Pacific: India and Japan advocate for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, countering regional challenges.
Civil Nuclear Deal: In 2016, the two countries signed a civil nuclear agreement, allowing Japan to export nuclear technology to India.
Technology Transfer: Japan supports India in areas like digital infrastructure, smart cities, and clean energythrough technology and funding.
Cultural Exchange: Strong historical and cultural ties are promoted through academic programs, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.
Shared Concerns over China: Both countries maintain cautious relations with China and often align strategically on regional security issues.
Multilateral Cooperation: India and Japan collaborate in forums like QUAD, G20, and ASEAN+, aiming for global peace and development.

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