NEED FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRIES TO JOIN HANDS

During his official talks with the Japanese Prime Minister, the Indian Prime Minister talked of the mantra of co-innovation, co-design and co-creation for a deeper and mutually beneficial defence cooperation

- RANJIT KUMAR

DEEPENING OF INDIA-JAPAN BILATERAL STRATEGIC RELATIONS is one of the success stories of Indian diplomacy in the first two decades of the 21st century, which the world is watching closely. The strategic bonhomie, developed over last two decades, is creating ripples in the Indo-Pacific waters. The latest visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on March 20-21, 2023 has further given a new momentum to bilateral defence, security and diplomatic relations. The cordial but low key relations during the second half of previous century has now evolved into a close ally like partnership. The two countries, equally impacted by the aggressive and expansionist Chinese behaviour are formulating joint strategies to counter the threats posed to them and are a part of a grand alliance of four democracies called QUAD.

The latest visit of Prime Minister Kishida has reaffirmed the resolve to not only move forward bilaterally but multilaterally also to jointly protect their national interests. In the changing geopolitical dynamics this unique bilateral partnership called the special strategic global partnership is tilting the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region.