Japan and India are preparing to bolster their security partnership, with a particular focus on space and cyber security cooperation, as well as expanded joint military drills. This development comes amid growing concerns about China's expanding maritime influence in the region.
At an upcoming two-plus-two foreign and defense ministerial meeting scheduled for Tuesday in India, both governments plan to confirm their intention to revise the 2008 "Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation." The revision aims to incorporate emerging security domains like space and cyber security into the declaration, signaling a broadening of the bilateral security partnership.
The original joint declaration outlined comprehensive security cooperation between Japan and India, including exchanges of foreign and defense officials and maritime transport security. However, since its signing in 2008, the security landscape has evolved considerably, highlighting the need to address newer challenges in space and cyberspace.
Both countries have been progressively strengthening their bilateral cooperation in these domains. They held their first talks on cyberspace in 2012 and their first dialogue on space in 2019. Additionally, Japan's Self-Defense Forces have been conducting joint drills with the Indian military since 2018, further deepening their security ties.
The revised joint declaration, expected to be finalized by the year's end during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan, is anticipated to include references to enhanced cooperation toward a "free and open Indo-Pacific." This strategic vision aims to counter China's growing assertiveness in the region, an area of concern shared by both Japan and India.
While India remains committed to its policy of "strategic autonomy," maintaining friendly relations with various countries, including Russia, this move towards greater security cooperation with Japan demonstrates a shared intent to navigate the evolving security landscape and contribute to regional stability.
The upcoming two-plus-two talks, the third of its kind and the first since September 2022, will be attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara from Japan, and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh from India.
Beyond the revised joint declaration, the meeting is also expected to discuss other crucial areas of cooperation, such as the export of Japanese defense equipment to India.
