India & Japan collaborate to launch infra-projects in far east Russia & Indo-Pacific State

Strengning international spheres of engagement, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla on July 20 indicated that India and Japan were aiming to deepen cooperation in third countries including investments and joint projects in resource-rich Russian Far East region and Pacific Island countries. dressing a forum, he underscored that 'growing convergence' between India, Japan on 'strategic and economic issues' possess "potential to shape a multi-polar that is more peaceful, secure and sustainable."

Notably, India-Japan bilateral relations have elevated ties to Special Strategic and Global Partnership subsequent to an annual summit-level mechanism, that alternates between two countries as 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers dialogue. Both countries share close relations which reflect a shared vision towards Indo-Pacific region.

Foreign Secretary Shringla said, "Progress in economic pillar of our ties has been accompanied by an increasing convergence in our strategic outlook towards region. This is reflected in our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region."

In an dress at India-Japan forum organised by leing public policy forum Ananta Aspen India, he stated that convergence is not only seen in bilateral exchanges but also amid increasing comfort in working with or like-minded partners through plurilateral forums, involving or partners."

India, Japan & Australia working on Supply Chain Resilience

Earlier this year, India, US, Australia, Japan conducted a Qu summit that h first hes of government level meeting while Washington has slated a first in-person meeting for later this year. Despite pandemic, COVID plus group h met regularly at foreign secretary-level virtually to exchange best practices and India, Japan, and Australia are working on Supply Chain Resilience to strengn ir ability to be prepared for unexpected risky events so as to respond and recover quickly to potential disruptions. aim is to return to its original situation or grow by moving to a newer desirable state.

Pursuant to this, Shringla said, "COVID-19 pandemic has not only generated severe economic stresses but would have a long-term impact on geopolitical situation." Quoting PM Modi, Foreign Secretary said, " friendship between India and Japan has become more relevant to our partnership, global stability, and prosperity in this COVID pandemic era."

India-Japan chalk joint projects in third countries

Following current partnership under India-Japan bilateral relations, both plan to work on joint projects in or countries which include resource-rich Russian far-east and pacific island States. At present, both are operating a project in Kenya while Japan's connectivity projects in North East India are set to be extended to Banglesh. Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) stands at over Rs 1,600 crore in projects, with regard to connectivity in seven states of North East India.

Harsh Shringla said, "India and Japan are continuing to enhance ir ability to work with or partners in Indo-Pacific region and beyond. We are looking at deepening our cooperation in third countries, moving beyond India's immediate neighbourhood to Russian Far-East and Pacific Island States."

Japan is currently a le partner in connectivity pillar of Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was launched by PM Modi in 2019 at East Asia Summit and has seven pillars annexed to initiative.