India-Japan Vision: Decoding the Indo-Pacific Strategy

List of Key Chapter Titles

1. Introduction: India-Japan Strategic Alignment and the Ambiguity of the Indo-Pacific Concept
2. Connecting Growth Poles within the Indo-Pacific Region
3. Conception and Implementation of the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC)
4. Japan's Infrastructure Financing Strategy in the Indo-Pacific
5. Securing the Maritime Commons in the Indo-Pacific
6. The Return of the Quadrilateral Initiative (Quad)
7. India, Japan, and ASEAN Centrality
8. The Way Forward: Priority Areas for Action
9. Conclusion and Outlook

Document Introduction

This report, published in 2018, aims to provide an in-depth interpretation of the "India-Japan Vision 2025" jointly advocated by India and Japan and its practical significance for the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) strategy. The report begins by noting that although the US, Japan, and India all promote Indo-Pacific strategies, there are subtle differences in their respective narratives: the US and Japan focus on maintaining the existing order in the context of competition with China, while Indian Prime Minister Modi emphasizes building a "free, open, and inclusive" Indo-Pacific region, not targeting China for containment. This divergence in strategic perception provides both space and complexity for India-Japan cooperation.

The report's core revolves around two main pillars of cooperation: promoting connectivity and ensuring maritime security. On the economic development front, the report analyzes in detail how India and Japan connect growth poles in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa through an "Action-Oriented Partnership." It focuses on the strategic initiative of the "Asia-Africa Growth Corridor" (AAGC), designed to synergize Japan's "Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure" (EPQI) with India's "Act East Policy" and its cooperation with Africa. Simultaneously, the report examines Japan's strategic motivations for infrastructure export, which balance geopolitical needs with domestic economic revitalization. Against the backdrop of the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), it analyzes Japan's policy shift towards conditional participation in third-party market cooperation with China.

In the security domain, the report systematically outlines the evolution of India-Japan bilateral and multilateral security cooperation mechanisms, including elevating the "2+2" dialogue to the ministerial level, signing the Implementing Arrangement for Deeper Cooperation between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy, and negotiating the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The report highlights their shared interests in upholding a rules-based maritime order and ensuring the security of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), enhancing interoperability through exercises like "Malabar." Regarding the revival of the "Quadrilateral Security Dialogue" (Quad), the report points out its goal is to promote a rules-based order, but it lacks institutionalization. India insists on its "inclusive" Indo-Pacific narrative to avoid being perceived as a closed alliance targeting China.

The report concludes by emphasizing the criticality of ASEAN centrality for the Indo-Pacific strategies of India and Japan and looks ahead to future cooperation priorities in sub-regions such as the Bay of Bengal, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. The report argues that India and Japan need to coordinate resources, efficiently implement joint projects, and pragmatically manage differences in areas like professional culture. Ultimately, achieving a stable Indo-Pacific order requires constructive interaction among all major actors, including China, rather than mere containment.