Stronger US-Japan Ties Augur Well For India

Context: India being a key member of the Quad, having a steadfast relationship with Japan and a growing one with the United States (US), can reap the benefits of stronger US-Japan ties by invoking complementarities.

Key areas where India can reap benefits from stronger US-Japan ties

• On the security front:
  • The 2+2 dialogue (officially called as Security Consultative Committee) between  the US and Japan now focus on a challenge from China to the regional and international order (earlier the focus was on Russia and North Korea)
  • The US-Japan alliance is a kerbstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and is ready to counter the malign influences and provocation in Asia and elsewhere by China.
  • US commitment to resist unilateral efforts of China. E.g. By conducting Joint military exercises in the vicinity of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
• On common global challenges front: To tackle events like the pandemic, climate change, democracy and human rights, free trade and countering Chinese influence. 
• On the economic front: Expanding ties with both the US and Japan to reap benefits of strong bilateral trade between US and Japan. They have a bilateral trade of $300 billion.
  • The expanded ties should be more cognizant of India’s domestic requirements and respond in a better manner to support strategic investments as in the vaccine initiative of the Quad.
• Steps to provide soft power to the relationship: Like expansion on technology and academic issues, space, biosciences and more non-governmental activity among students, academic exchanges and encouraging the role of civil society organisations.