Global alliances are shifting! Japan and India are joining forces, deepening security and economic ties as India navigates new U.S. tariffs and Japan counters China’s growing influence. What does this mean for the future of the Indo-Pacific region?

Japan and India are significantly strengthening their economic and security relationship, a move largely driven by India’s response to new U.S. tariffs and Japan’s strategic efforts to counterbalance China’s expanding regional influence. This pivotal alliance seeks to foster mutual growth and stability within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, reflecting a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

During a recent high-level summit in Tokyo, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India formally agreed to deepen their nations’ already robust economic and security ties. This bilateral commitment signals a concerted effort by both leaders to navigate contemporary global challenges by leveraging their collective strengths and shared interests.

Addressing a joint press conference following their discussions, Prime Minister Ishiba underscored the strategic imperative for collaboration, stating, “Japan and India should draw on each other’s strengths, help solve each other’s challenges, and even tackle together the issues that future generations will face.” His remarks highlighted a forward-looking agenda focused on long-term cooperation.

The comprehensive agreement includes pledges to substantially boost defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region over the coming decade, alongside initiatives to strengthen supply chains, attract mutual investment, and expand technological collaboration. Key areas for advanced partnership specifically include artificial intelligence, space exploration, high-speed rail development, and other cutting-edge technologies, further complemented by wider skilled worker exchanges between the two countries.

This deepening alignment between Tokyo and New Delhi is a direct reflection of shifting power dynamics in Asia, particularly as China’s economic and military influence continues to grow across the region. Both Japan and India are integral members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, a strategic forum that also includes the United States and Australia, underscoring their commitment to regional security.

Prime Minister Modi echoed Ishiba’s sentiments, emphasizing the fundamental principles guiding their collaboration: “India and Japan are fully committed to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. We have similar concerns about terrorism and cybersecurity. We have common interests in defense and maritime security.” His statement reinforced the shared values and strategic objectives underpinning the strengthened partnership.

Modi’s visit to Japan forms a crucial part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach, aimed at fortifying international relationships and garnering support for his ambitious “Make in India” initiative. This strategic push comes at a critical time as New Delhi contends with the economic repercussions of recently imposed U.S. tariffs, which have seen import levies on Indian goods rise significantly, including a punitive tariff on its purchase of Russian oil.

Following his engagements in Japan, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to embark on his first visit to China in seven years. This trip will include a significant two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a prominent regional security bloc, where he is anticipated to hold meetings with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss various multilateral and bilateral issues.