Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi began a three-day visit to India this week aimed at strengthening economic and security ties between the two countries, underscoring India’s growing role in Japan’s strategic outlook in the Indo-Pacific region. During her meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday, discussions focused on economic security, strategic cooperation, and collaboration on advanced technologies.
Analysts note that Tokyo’s broader objective is to build a coalition of nations concerned about China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific, with India viewed as a pivotal partner. However, experts caution that India’s willingness to align closely with Japan’s China-centered strategy is conditional and fluctuates based on New Delhi’s relations with Beijing, which have varied over recent years.
Ben Ascione, assistant professor of politics and international relations at Waseda University, explained that Japan’s "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" initiative seeks to extend regional cooperation beyond traditional Asia-Pacific frameworks by more firmly integrating India as a counterbalance to China. Yet, India’s readiness to adopt this role depends heavily on the state of its border relations with China. Currently, with relative peace along the border, India may be less inclined to deepen its security alignment with Japan, Ascione said.
In a social media statement upon her arrival, Takaichi emphasized the goal to enhance the “special strategic global partnership” with India by addressing urgent issues such as economic and energy security. Both governments intend to promote complementary cooperation across various sectors, reflecting the evolving international landscape.
Economic ties between the two nations are advancing rapidly. Japanese companies have made substantial investments in India’s technology manufacturing sector, including semiconductors, as both countries seek to reduce dependency on China for critical technologies vulnerable to export restrictions. Discussions are expected to explore bilateral trade settlements in rupees and yen to bypass the U.S. dollar, along with agreements on information sharing, mineral supply chains, and cooperation on artificial intelligence.
Takaichi also plans to announce a new visa scheme facilitating the entry of Indian professionals with vital skills into Japan, aiming to support economic growth and technological collaboration.
The overarching driver behind Japan’s intensified outreach is the perceived strategic challenge posed by China. Toshimitsu Shigemura, professor of international relations at Waseda University, highlighted that while economic issues will be prominent, the core concern remains managing competition with China through closer ties with India. Since her election in February, Takaichi has pursued a diplomatic and security offensive, seeking to solidify alliances not only with India but also with South Korea, Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, and Western partners.
Japan has expanded joint military exercises with South Korea, despite historical tensions, and conducted drills alongside forces from the United States, European nations, and NATO allies. Tokyo’s strategy seeks to enhance collective defense capabilities in the face of China’s assertive regional policies, particularly concerning disputes in the South China Sea.
Analysts suggest that Takaichi’s efforts to consolidate an anti-China security coalition could yield a significant diplomatic success, helping bolster her domestic standing amid economic challenges at home. Ascione noted that while Japan publicly reaffirms its alliance with the United States, it simultaneously pursues diversification of its security partnerships to respond to shifting regional dynamics.