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JAPAN CHAIR PLATFORM Summary

Core Content

The Japan Chair Platform document, dated October 29, 2010, provides an analysis of the evolving relationship between India and Japan, emphasizing the need for both nations to strengthen their bilateral ties in light of changing regional dynamics. The piece is authored by Dr. Harsh V. Pant, an Associate with the Centre for Science and Security Studies at King's College London, and highlights the strategic and economic significance of India-Japan cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Main Views

Strategic Partnership and Regional Security

• The summit meeting in Tokyo on October 25, 2010, between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and Prime Minister Naoto Kan of Japan reaffirmed their commitment to upgrading bilateral relations and promoting peace and prosperity in Asia.
• The document underscores the importance of India and Japan working together in a rapidly changing security environment, especially in light of China's growing assertiveness.
• China's rise is identified as the most significant variable in the Asian geostrategic landscape, prompting both India and Japan to seek closer cooperation.
• Security concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea and along the Sino-Indian border are pushing Delhi and Tokyo to align more closely.
• The U.S. Navy's reduced presence in the South China Sea may create an opportunity for the Indian Navy to play a larger role, while the Japanese Self-Defense Forces need to increase their presence in the Indian Ocean.
• Joint military exercises involving the U.S., Japan, and India could help build a broader regional security framework.

Economic Cooperation

• A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed, marking a significant step in economic integration between the two nations.
• The agreement includes tariff reductions on a large percentage of goods traded between India and Japan.
• The Indian Prime Minister had to personally intervene to ensure the CEPA was finalized before his visit to Japan, highlighting the importance of the pact.
• Japanese investment in India has reached $3.7 billion, but more needs to be done to deepen economic ties.
• The Delhi-Mumbai corridor is a key infrastructure project under India-Japan cooperation.
• Japan supports the new Indian Institute of Technology in Hyderabad, fostering academic collaboration.
• Japan's "New Growth Strategy" aims to develop emerging markets like India through public-private infrastructure deals.

Regional and Global Institutions

• Both nations support the strengthening of regional institutions in Asia.
• The ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN are seen as important platforms for regional cooperation, with active U.S. involvement being welcomed.
• India is encouraged to enhance its role in these institutions.
• The G-4 grouping (comprising Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) is highlighted as a potential force for UN reform, including the expansion of the UN Security Council and the inclusion of new permanent members.

Nuclear Cooperation

• Civilian nuclear talks between India and Japan are stalled, with Japan insisting that India sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
• India opposes these treaties due to their discriminatory nature.
• Japanese firms such as GE-Hitachi and Toshiba-Westinghouse are involved in the U.S. and French nuclear industries, and their approval is crucial for nuclear reactor sales to India.
• The new liability law in India could complicate further nuclear cooperation with Japan.

Key Information

• India-Japan relations have evolved significantly since the 1998 nuclear tests, which initially strained ties.
• The CEPA is a major economic milestone, indicating a more serious approach to bilateral economic integration.
• China's assertive behavior is a key driver of closer India-Japan cooperation.
• Japan's domestic challenges (political instability and economic drift) have led to a lack of focus on India.
• The Indian bureaucracy has also been slow to push for stronger economic ties with Japan.
• Bilateral defense cooperation is seen as essential, with potential involvement of the U.S. to enhance regional security.
• The G-4 initiative aims to reform the UN Security Council and increase the representation of emerging powers.
• The nuclear issue remains a hurdle, with India resisting NPT and CTBT due to concerns over non-discrimination.

Conclusion

The document calls for India and Japan to reassess their lackluster ties and take more proactive steps to enhance regional and global stability. It emphasizes the importance of economic and strategic cooperation, especially in the context of China's growing influence, and suggests that multilateral engagement with the U.S. could help solidify a broader security framework in the Asia-Pacific.