Fumio Kishida Warns of Growing Security Challenges
 |
| Reuters |
Japan is facing its most severe and complex security environment since the end of the Second World War, former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said, underlining the growing importance of stronger partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
In an email interaction with The Hindu, Kishida said Japan is responding to the changing security environment by strengthening its defence capabilities while continuing to keep its alliance with the United States at the centre of its security policy.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with countries such as India and the continuation of the Malabar naval exercises as part of efforts to strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Kishida, who now serves as Chairman of the Japan-India Association, described India as an irreplaceable partner for Japan and said cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo is important for advancing Japan's vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, or FOIP.
Japan's Changing Security Environment
Kishida said Japan's defence policy remains focused on protecting the lives and peaceful livelihoods of its people while operating within the country's Constitution and international law.
He stressed that Japan continues to follow its exclusively defence-oriented posture and remains committed to its identity as a peaceful nation.
However, the former Prime Minister said the country's surrounding security environment has become increasingly difficult and complicated.
Japan has been strengthening security cooperation with partners across the Indo-Pacific as concerns grow over regional military tensions, maritime disputes and changes to the existing regional balance.
Kishida said Japan's alliance with the US remains the cornerstone of its security policy, while cooperation with like-minded countries will continue to expand.
India has become an important part of this strategy. The two countries regularly participate in the Malabar naval exercise along with the United States and Australia, providing a platform for cooperation between their armed forces.
India Seen as an Irreplaceable Partner
Kishida spoke positively about the development of India-Japan relations during his time as Prime Minister.
He recalled his 2023 visit to India and highlighted the progress made in bilateral cooperation since then. According to Kishida, India's position in the Indo-Pacific makes it an essential partner for Japan's wider regional strategy.
The relationship, however, is not limited to defence and strategic cooperation.
Kishida placed particular emphasis on connectivity and economic development, especially in South Asia. He described connectivity as a key to prosperity and highlighted Japan's plans to improve links between India's northeastern States and the wider Bay of Bengal region.
The idea is part of Kishida's broader vision of creating stronger economic connections between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Bay of Bengal and Northeast India at the Centre
One of the key proposals highlighted by Kishida is the Bay of Bengal-Northeast India Industrial Value Chain Concept.
He introduced the concept as part of Japan's New Plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific in 2023. The proposal seeks to connect India's northeastern region with Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal through better infrastructure, trade links and private investment.
Kishida said the initiative could help unlock the economic potential of Northeast India by connecting the landlocked region with markets and infrastructure around the Bay of Bengal.
Japan has already supported development projects in India's Northeast. These include road connectivity, forest and biodiversity conservation, water and sanitation, healthcare and agriculture.
Japan's official development assistance has also supported road projects designed to improve movement between India's northeastern States and neighbouring countries. The Japan International Cooperation Agency has described improved connectivity as an important part of promoting trade and economic development in the region.
The concept also fits into Japan's wider FOIP strategy. Kishida had previously said that viewing Bangladesh and other areas to the south as one economic region could help create an industrial value chain connecting the Bay of Bengal and Northeast India.
Kishida Raises Concern Over China's South China Sea Activities
Kishida also spoke about developments in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes have remained a major regional concern.
He criticised what he described as large-scale land reclamation and militarisation in disputed areas, saying such activities heighten regional tensions.
Japan, he said, continues to support the rule of law at sea and opposes unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion.
Kishida has previously made similar remarks about China's activities in the South China Sea. In a 2024 Japanese parliamentary exchange, he said Japan opposed efforts to change the status quo by force and supported cooperation with the international community to protect a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
For Japan, the issue is not limited to the South China Sea. Tokyo views maritime stability across the Indo-Pacific as closely connected to the wider security and economic interests of countries in the region.
Quad Remains Important
Kishida also rejected the idea that the Quad is losing importance.
The Quad brings together India, Japan, the United States and Australia and has become an important platform for cooperation on maritime security, technology, infrastructure, disaster response and other regional issues.
For Japan, the grouping forms part of a wider network of partnerships intended to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Kishida's comments also highlight why India's role is becoming increasingly important in Japan's regional strategy. India is geographically positioned between the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific and has growing economic and security ties with Japan.
Japan Calls for Democracy in Myanmar
The former Japanese Prime Minister also addressed the continuing crisis in Myanmar.
Kishida said Japan wants an end to violence and called for the restoration of democracy. He also urged the release of detainees, including former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and supported efforts under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
The Rohingya refugee crisis was another issue highlighted in his response.
Kishida said the safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced people is essential to finding a lasting solution. Japan has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and greater stability in Myanmar.
What Kishida's Message Means for India
Kishida's comments underline the increasingly broad nature of India-Japan relations.
The partnership is no longer limited to traditional economic cooperation. Defence, maritime security, infrastructure, connectivity, technology and regional diplomacy have all become important areas of engagement.
The proposed industrial value chain linking Northeast India with the Bay of Bengal could also give a new economic dimension to the relationship. Japan's approach is focused on combining infrastructure development with private investment and regional connectivity.
Japan's official policy documents have identified Northeast India as an important gateway towards Southeast Asia and have linked the region's development with India's Act East policy and Japan's FOIP vision.
Our Final Thoughts
Fumio Kishida's latest comments reflect the major changes taking place across the Indo-Pacific.
For Japan, the security environment has become more complicated, making partnerships with countries such as India increasingly important. At the same time, Tokyo is looking beyond defence cooperation by investing in connectivity and economic development.
For India, Japan's focus on Northeast India and the Bay of Bengal could create opportunities for infrastructure, trade and regional investment.
As competition and tensions continue to shape the Indo-Pacific, the India-Japan relationship is likely to remain an important part of the region's economic and strategic landscape.
TheTrendingPeople will continue to follow developments in India-Japan relations, the Indo-Pacific and the changing security environment in Asia.