Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in New Delhi Friday morning on a short 27-hour packed official visit that included talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on the Indo-Pacific and a visit to Rajghat.
Expectedly, Ukraine and Russian "aggression" was mentioned at least twice during Kishida’s speech at the ICWA, indicating that the war in Europe will continue to cast its shadow at the G20 summit in September. Japan is a close ally of the US and since the end of the second world war has been committed to defending Japan which had adopted a pacifist constitution. Recently Japan has altered its pacifist policies in view of China’s assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific.
Ukraine and Russia are points of difference between India and Japan, but beyond that and specifically on the Indo-Pacific, there is complete convergence of views. Both India and Japan see China as a disruptive force in Asia and hope to contain its far-reaching influence.
Both countries have long-term territorial disputes with China and are wary of its muscular moves. "India-Japan special strategic and global partnership is based on our democratic principles, respect for international rule of law,’’ Prime Minister Modi said in his opening statement after his meeting with the visiting dignitary.
"This year India is chairing the G20, and Japan is chairing the G7. And therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to work together on our respective priorities and interests,’’ Modi said. Explaining India’s stand he added, "Giving voice to the priorities of Global South is an important pillar of our G20 Presidency. We have taken this initiative because we are a culture that believes in "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", and in taking everyone along.’’