India and Japan, two major Asian democracies with rich histories and vibrant cultures, have developed a strategic partnership that has grown significantly over the past few decades. This relationship is characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and common interests in regional stability, economic growth, and global peace. The relationship between India and Japan dates back to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Over the centuries, cultural and religious exchanges flourished, laying a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. India’s earliest recorded direct interaction with Japan occurred at the Todaiji Temple in Nara, where the consecration or eye-opening ceremony of the grand statue of Lord Buddha was performed by the Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD. The Shichifukujin or the seven lucky gods of Japan have their roots in Hindu traditions. In more recent history, notable Indians associated with Japan include Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, JRD Tata, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Judge Radha Binod Pal. The Japan-India Association, established in 1903, remains the oldest international friendship organization in Japan.
Following World War II, in 1949, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru gifted an Indian elephant to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, symbolizing hope for the Japanese people as they recovered from the war’s aftermath. On April 28th, 1952, Japan and India signed a peace treaty and established diplomatic ties, marking one of Japan’s earliest post-World War II peace agreements. Since then, the two nations have maintained friendly relations, with India’s iron ore playing a significant role in Japan’s post-war recovery. Over 1400 years of contact, India and Japan have consistently maintained amicable relations and have never been adversaries. Today, they share a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership.’
India and Japan share a global vision centered on peace, stability, and mutual prosperity through sustainable development. Their partnership is grounded in shared democratic values, human rights, pluralism, open society, and the rule of law. This reflects a deep alignment of political, economic, and strategic interests. Both nations see each other as capable partners in addressing global and regional challenges. They recognize that a strong, prosperous, and dynamic India benefits Japan, and vice versa. The 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2012 highlighted the steady growth and progress in their bilateral ties.
In the first decade of diplomatic ties, India and Japan engaged in significant high-level exchanges, including visits by Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi to India in 1957 and Prime Minister Nehru’s return visit to Tokyo the same year. However, momentum slowed in later decades, with fewer high-level visits until the 1980s. A notable development was Suzuki Motor Corporation’s investment in India in the early 1980s, which revolutionized the automobile sector. Japan also demonstrated its reliability as a friend by aiding India during its 1991 balance of payments crisis. The 21st century saw a significant transformation in India-Japan relations. Prime Minister Mori’s visit to India in 2000 launched the Japan-India Global Partnership, which was further upgraded to a Global and Strategic Partnership in 2006, including annual Prime Ministerial Summits. Major milestones included the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011 and numerous high-level visits and agreements, such as those during Prime Minister Modi’s 2014 visit to Japan. These efforts led to significant investments, high-speed rail projects, and cooperation in various sectors, strengthening the bilateral ties.
Economic relations between India and Japan have significant growth potential due to their complementary economies. Japan is increasingly interested in India’s large, growing market and human resources. The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), effective since August 2011, is India’s most comprehensive trade agreement, covering goods, services, investments, intellectual property, and more, and aims to abolish tariffs on 94% of traded items over ten years. Japan, the largest bilateral donor to India since 1958, supports projects in power, transportation, environment, and basic human needs. Major projects include the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High Speed Rail, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, alongside the Delhi Metro. In FY 2016-17, bilateral trade was $13.61 billion, with India exporting $3.86 billion and importing $9.76 billion from Japan. Cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges continue to play a vital role in strengthening India-Japan relations. Various cultural programs, academic exchanges, and tourism initiatives have deepened mutual understanding and appreciation. The Japan-India Friendship Year in 2007 and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022 are examples of efforts to promote cultural diplomacy.
India and Japan have crafted a robust and dynamic partnership, driven by shared values and common strategic interests. As they navigate the complexities of the 21st century, their relationship is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the regional and global order. The rationale for closer India-Japan ties can be given as a counterbalance to China’s dominance in Asia. While containing China isn’t feasible due to its economic ties with both nations, India and Japan need to address the power imbalance from China’s assertive rise, which affects territorial and maritime stability. A strong India-Japan partnership can restore regional balance and stability. Both ‘Abenomics’ and ‘Modinomics’ aim for economic revival and require mutual support, highlighting the strategic importance of their alliance. This partnership, based on shared democratic values and commitment to a rules-based order, is essential for a balanced and prosperous Asia.
In conclusion, the relationship between India and Japan stands as a testament to the potential and power of strategic partnerships in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. From historical ties rooted in cultural exchanges to modern collaborations in trade, defense, and technology, India and Japan have forged a strong bond based on mutual respect, shared values, and common interests. This partnership not only benefits both countries economically and strategically but also contributes to regional stability and prosperity in Asia. As they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the India-Japan relationship serves as a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and progress, setting a positive example for international relations and global partnerships.
Author: Jui Marathe is pursuing Masters in International Relations & Strategic Studies from University of Mumbai.
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