India–Japan Friendship: A New Effort towards Global Balance
-Lalit Garg-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan is not just a diplomatic formality; it is a signal of the emerging Asian power structure of the 21st century. This visit marks the beginning of a “new era of friendship” between India and Japan, one that will significantly influence global trade, security, and strategic balance. Addressing the India–Japan Joint Economic Forum on Friday, Prime Minister Modi highlighted how Japan’s technological prowess combined with India’s talent can transform not only the two nations but also reshape the world. Japan has played a vital role in India’s development journey. From metros to manufacturing, semiconductors to startups, collaboration across diverse sectors has become a symbol of mutual trust. India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world and is set to become the third-largest economy soon. Closer India–Japan ties will open new dimensions in this growth story.
At present, the biggest challenge on the global horizon is the tariff war—between the U.S. and China, and also between the U.S. and India. The heavy duties imposed by America have disrupted international trade flows, affecting not only the U.S. and China but also emerging economies like India. Indian exports have suffered, raw material prices have fluctuated, and supply chains have been destabilized. Against this backdrop, India and Japan drawing closer represents a “strategic opportunity.” Japan leads in technology, capital, and innovation, while India brings vast human resources, a huge market, and immense growth potential. Modi’s visit is a deliberate effort to bring these strengths together and to compensate for the void created by U.S. tariff policies.
Certainly, the U.S. decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods poses a serious challenge. Yet India is capable of meeting it. Amid these complexities, India is also seeking new markets for its products. Following his Japan visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to China to participate in the SCO Summit, where he may also meet President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Clearly, Modi’s Japan visit goes far beyond trade—it is also about balance. In the face of Chinese expansionism, U.S. uncertainties, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India and Japan together can act as a “stabilizing force.” Both countries emphasized strengthening the “Indo-Pacific Strategy,” which aims to ensure peace, stability, and free trade across Asia.
India and Japan share an age-old friendship. Their ties are not a modern invention. As early as the eighth century, the Indian monk Bodhisena consecrated the Buddha statue at Todai-ji temple in Nara—considered the first historic link. Later, great personalities like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Justice Radha Binod Pal deepened this bond. During India’s freedom struggle, Japan extended crucial support to Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj. This proves that India–Japan friendship predates 1947. After World War II, India signed a separate peace treaty with Japan, laying the foundation of formal diplomatic ties. Today, the partnership spans defense, science, education, culture, and strategic security. This legacy of friendship continues—underscored by the fact that this is Modi’s 8th visit to Japan. He also thanked Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for hosting the 15th Annual India–Japan Summit.
Undoubtedly, Modi’s Japan visit is tied to far-reaching goals. Yet, challenges remain. India must overcome bureaucratic hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and policy instability to win greater Japanese investor confidence. At the same time, Japan must recognize India not just as a consumer market but as a partner in co-creating opportunities. While U.S. tariff wars have disrupted global trade, India–Japan cooperation offers a path towards balance. If nurtured, this relationship could turn India into not only Japan’s closest ally but also a “new axis of power” in Asia. The partnership carries enormous potential. It could anchor a new supply-chain hub. Japan itself wants to reduce dependence on China, and India is the natural alternative. If Japanese industries invest massively in India, the “Make in India” initiative will gain fresh momentum. High-tech collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, and green energy can transform India–Japan into Asia’s technological powerhouse—laying the foundation for trade stability. While U.S. and European markets are uncertain, India and Japan together can make the Indo-Pacific a strong and stable trade region. Japan’s vast expertise and finance are already driving India’s metro rail, high-speed bullet train, and port projects—boosting India’s economy while cementing long-term partnership.
Thus, Modi’s visit is not just another chapter of friendship—it is an attempt to fill the vacuum created by U.S.–China rivalry. It is an opportunity to elevate India from being a “passive player” to becoming a “global leader.” This new chapter in India–Japan relations is crucial for changing global equations and building balance. The world is moving towards multipolarity. The U.S.–China clash has made the Indo-Pacific the epicenter of world politics. China’s aggressive stance and expansionist ambitions have naturally drawn India and Japan closer. Their partnership, along with the U.S. and Australia, strengthens the “Quad.” But this is more than a security alliance—it represents a shared vision for free navigation, counter-terrorism, and sustainable trade in the Indo-Pacific. It also acts as a check on China’s dream of unipolar dominance.
America’s protectionist tariffs have forced India and Japan to seek alternatives. Together, they can drive the “China-plus-one” strategy—diversifying production and investments into new Asian and African markets. This will help stabilize global supply chains. Japan is already investing in India’s bullet train, smart cities, Digital India, and renewable energy projects. India’s youthful workforce combined with Japan’s technological expertise can create a model of innovation and sustainable development—different from Western capitalism or Chinese state-driven economics.
Crucially, India–Japan relations are not confined to strategy or trade—they are also anchored in shared civilization values, lending them moral depth. This friendship will also work as “soft power,” nurturing peace globally. It is neither an aggressive alliance nor a mere economic calculation. It is the foundation of a new global era rooted in democracy, peace, technology, and humanity. It can thus be confidently said that Modi’s two-day visit will not only raise India–Japan ties to new heights but also strengthen India’s role in Asian diplomacy. This partnership sends two powerful messages to the world: that balance comes not from military might alone but through cooperation, development, and moral values; and that Asia’s future will be shaped by the India–Japan alliance—guiding the world towards stability and balance.
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