At Hiroshima, Japan’s moment to reinforce partnerships
Context:
The G-7 Hiroshima Summit is the first hosted by Tokyo since the 2008 summit. It comes at a time when the world is faced with threatening challenges like war in Ukraine.
Why agenda is vital for Japan
Russian aggression: Russian aggression in Ukraine has continued for more than one year. Recently, Russia carried out one of the largest drone attack on the Ukraine.
Chinese aggression: China is increasingly on the offensive with an ever-active military and nuclear modernisation plan. Also, China is increasing its military pressures on Taiwan. It is in immediate vicinity of Japan, thus posing threat to it.
North Korea’s belligerence: North Korea is nearer to the Japan but its aggression is increasing. North Korea’ increasingly volatile nuclear posturing and nuclear weapons pose threat to Japan.
New Delhi-Tokyo Partnership is important
Joint collaboration: Recent Years have witnessed increasing collaboration between New Delhi and Tokyo. There is regular joint military exercises and the progress of agreements on economic cooperation.
Principles: Two key tenants form the key for both Indo-Japan role in the Indo-Pacific. First, the preservation of a rules-based order; and second, opposition to any unilateral attempt to alter regional order.
Middle power diplomacy: Both countries have reiterated 2 principles at the Hiroshima Summit. Stronger ties between India and Japan are significant for boosting middle-power diplomacy in the region.
Advancing Shinzo Abe’s Legacy
Current PM: Fumio Kishida, as the current Japanese Prime Minister, is proactively carrying forward the legacy of Shinzo Abe, who was a strong advocate for Japan’s active role in the world.
Efforts by Kishida:Mr. Kishida has advanced Shinzo Abe’s work by developing security and diplomatic partnerships across the world.
Crucial security actor: The Hiroshima Summit confirmed Japan's resurgence as a crucial security actor, one that is more eager than ever to influence the evolving strategic contours of the Indo-Pacific and the larger international order.