Seventy Years of India-Japan Diplomatic Relations: Reflections and Way Forward

Edited by: Nutan Kapoor Mahawar | Jojin V. John

Spanning seven decades, the diplomatic relations between India and Japan offer an extraordinary narrative of mutual respect, strategic alignment, and robust cooperation. This relationship has evolved from strong cultural and civilizational linkages to a global partnership. The ties have broadened to include significant developments in defence and security, economic modernization, infrastructure projects and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Withstanding the test of time, the India-Japan relationship stands as a beacon of stability, security, and prosperity in an uncertain world, offering promising prospects for the future.

The journey of this enduring relationship is eloquently captured in the book, “India-Japan Seventy Years of Diplomatic Relations: Reflections and the Way Forward”. Based on a conference organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on May 19, 2022, this book represents a comprehensive account of the diplomatic ties between the two nations. Attended by renowned scholars and policymakers, the conference marked the 70th anniversary of India-Japan relations and provided a fertile ground for insightful reflections, which have been thoughtfully collated in this book. It serves as a testament to the resilient relationship and an inspiring guide for the path ahead.

About ICWA

The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) was established in 1943 by a group of eminent intellectuals led by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Dr. H.N. Kunzru. Its principal objective was to create an Indian perspective on international relations and act as a repository of knowledge and thinking on foreign policy issues. The Council today conducts policy research through an in-house faculty as well as through external experts. It regularly organizes an array of intellectual activities including conferences, seminars, roundtable discussions, lectures and brings out a range of publications. It has a well-stocked library, an active website, and publishes the journal India Quarterly. ICWA has over 50 MoUs with international think tanks and research institutions to promote better understanding on international issues and develop areas of mutual cooperation. The Council also has partnerships with leading research institutions, think tanks and universities in India.

Edited by: Nutan Kapoor Mahawar | Jojin V. John

Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, a career diplomat, joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1996. During her over 26 years of service, she has worked on various assignments both in New Delhi and abroad. At Headquarters, she has served in the Disarmament & International Security Affairs, Europe West and Parliament & Coordination Divisions. She has held positions in Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva and Embassy of India, Moscow. Since January 2019, Ms. Mahawar is Joint Secretary in the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi. Ms. Mahawar is a post-graduate in Economics.

Dr. Jojin V. John is an Assistant Professor at the School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. His research interest includes International Relations in East Asia, India’s East Asian engagement and geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific. Previously Dr. Jojin worked with the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) as a Research Fellow for East Asia. He received PhD and MPhil Degree in International Studies from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Contents

Foreword
Vijay Thakur Singh

Tables and Figures

Introduction
Nutan Kapoor Mahawar and Jojin V. John

Executive Summary
Nutan Kapoor Mahawar and Jojin V. John

India-Japan Relations: Inaugural Session

Welcome Remarks
Vijay Thakur Singh

Remarks
Sanjay Kumar Verma

Remarks
Kawazu Kunihiko

Keynote Address
Hiroshi Hirabayashi

India-Japan: Relations at 70 Reflections

1. Mapping 70 years of India-Japan Ties: Exploring the Role of Japanese Prime Ministers
Purnendra Jain

2. India-Japan Relations at 70 from a Defence and Strategic Perspective
G.V.C. Naidu

3. Seventy Years (1952-2022) of Japanese Studies in India: An Appraisal
P. A. George

India, Japan and the Indo-Pacific: Regional and Strategic Dimension

Remarks
Hemant Krishan Singh

4. Strategic Imperative of India-Japan Partnership in Indo-Pacific
Titli Basu

5. India, Japan and the Indo-Pacific: Exploring Third Country Partnership
Jojin V. John

6. India-Japan Emerging Cooperation in Cybersecurity
Prakash Panneerselvam and Virain Mohan

India-Japan Economic and Development Cooperation: Emerging Dynamics

7. Issues and Prospects for Deepening Japan-India Economic Relations
Makoto Kojima

8. India-Japan Trade and Investment Relations: Emerging Trends
Prabir De and Tuhinsubhra Giri

Civilisational and People to People Relations

Remarks
Koji Sato

9. From Pilgrimage to Diplomacy: Buddhism in India-Japan Relations
Ranjana Mukhopadhyaya

10. India-Japan Cultural Relations: History, Continuity, and the Way Forward
Siddharth Singh

The Way Forward

Remarks
Sujan R Chinoy

Remarks
Saito Mitsunori

About the Contributors

Conference Programme

Index