From Sushi to Submarines: India and Japan’s Strategic Role in the Indo-Pacific
India and Japan are no longer just cultural allies known for their love of anime, sushi, and Buddha’s teachings. They are rapidly transforming into powerful strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific, a region that’s becoming the world’s most contested geopolitical hotspot. But as their military ties grow, the question arises: Can they balance sovereignty and collaboration to become the true "Dharma Guardians" of the Indo-Pacific?
The defense collaboration between India and Japan has gained momentum in recent years. Both nations have committed to joint naval drills, technological exchanges, and high-level defense dialogues. The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), signed in 2020, marked a milestone, allowing reciprocal use of bases and supplies. This agreement signifies their readiness to face shared threats, particularly from an increasingly assertive China. Joint military exercises, like the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX), further highlight their growing interoperability. These drills focus on enhancing coordination in surface, sub-surface, and aerial operations, ensuring both nations are prepared for any contingency in the Indo-Pacific.
India and Japan’s partnership extends to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), where they join forces with the United States and Australia. The Quad emphasizes freedom of navigation, infrastructure development, and security cooperation, countering China's expansive
claims in the South China Sea. While the Quad strengthens their regional influence, India’s reluctance to embrace a formal "Asian NATO" highlights its cautious approach to alliances that could compromise its strategic autonomy. Despite their aligned goals, challenges remain. Japan’s push for stronger collective security mechanisms contrasts with India’s policy of non- alignment. India values its sovereignty and independence, often resisting overt military alliances. This ideological difference could limit the depth of their collaboration, especially if Japan seeks a more formalized defense arrangement.
The India-Japan relationship isn’t just about geopolitics; it’s deeply rooted in cultural and economic ties. From the historical spread of Buddhism to contemporary mutual interests in anime and technology, the two nations share a unique bond. Economically, Japan remains a key investor in India, with projects ranging from high-speed rail to smart cities. These initiatives not only boost bilateral trade but also strengthen their shared vision for regional stability.
As India and Japan continue to deepen their defense ties, their success as "Dharma Guardians" will depend on their ability to navigate ideological differences while leveraging shared values. The Indo-Pacific is not just a battleground for influence—it’s a stage for collaboration that blends cultural harmony with strategic grit.
From sushi to submarines, from Buddha to battleships, the future of the Indo-Pacific may very well rest on the shoulders of this evolving partnership. Can India and Japan rise to the occasion and rewrite the rules of the region? Only time will tell.
