Japan can Take Lessons from India: Looking at the current situation between China and Japan, it often seems as if war is on the horizon. This kind of aggressive attitude of China towards neighboring countries is not a new thing, hence if we look at it in the context of India, then Japan should take some notes from India. Professor Pema Glalpow, a Japanese expert herself, believed that the way India has been maintaining its relations with China for decades with self-respect and confidence is worth learning. In the last 60 years, China has shown the same aggression towards India as it has towards Japan. Despite this, relations between the two countries remain intact.
After the India-China war of 1962, the situation had deteriorated significantly. Today, China’s increasing aggression is posing the same challenge to Japan as India has been facing for a long time. For this reason, Japan can learn many important things from India’s experiences. According to Professor Pema, India has to deal with China’s changing strategy on the Himalayan border, while Japan has to deal with China’s increasing maritime activities in the East China Sea and around the Senkaku Islands. Despite the situation being different for both the countries, China’s method is the same. Gradually increasing our presence in land and sea areas and rejecting old agreements.
India’s determination, a lesson for Japan
In April 2020, China sent its troops to Ladakh at those places where earlier India used to patrol regularly. All this happened despite the agreements signed between 1993 and 2013, whose objective was to maintain the status quo on the border. In response, India neither increased tension nor came under any pressure. He held 18 rounds of military talks, created buffer zones and increased surveillance on the border. Road and logistics infrastructure strengthened. This restrained but concrete response of India is strengthening its position.
India-China border dispute complicated, but not diplomacy. (Credit- Reuters)
Japan is also facing a similar situation in its maritime areas. Experts believe that like India, Japan also needs to increase surveillance, strengthen infrastructure and also keep the avenues of diplomacy open. This will keep the tension in the region under control and will also send a message to China that its every move is being monitored.
Economic relations remain intact, attack on strategy
Talking about economic relations, despite tensions, India-China trade will reach approximately $128 billion in 2024–25. The trade relations between Japan and China are similarly deep. India’s experience here shows that economic engagement cannot eliminate security risks. For this reason, India adopted strictness in many areas related to technology and investment, banned Chinese apps and promoted local production. Similarly, Japan is also diverting its industries out of China, especially towards India, by adopting China Plus One policy. He needs to take similar steps in future also.
Economic and diplomatic relations remained resolved. (Credit- Reuters)
India-Japan partnership will work
Both India and Japan have made partnership an important part of their strategy. Quad, defense cooperation, maritime security and technical agreements strengthen these relationships. In the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the year 2025, there was a deep discussion on Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductor and Supply Chain. These steps will help in making both the countries safe and self-reliant.
India’s multilayer strategy works
India’s strategy in dealing with a country like China is multi-layered. In this, it is important to keep the army strong, diversify the economy and keep the lines of communication open. India’s strong presence in Ladakh, patrolling system and transparency has increased internal support and also given an international message. Japan is also moving in the same direction in the maritime sector through Djibouti base, surveillance missions and joint projects with India. This is a sign of his determination and diplomatic flexibility.
Since China is currently a global player, caution and prudence are necessary in dealing with it. India’s balanced strategy can prove to be an ideal model for Japan. Together, both the countries can establish a strong presence in the Indo Pacific region. This will be a restrained but strong path in the current geopolitics.
