On 28 Nov 2023, the Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation (CS3), United Service
Institution (USI) of India organised a Round Table Discussion (RTD) with Prof Hideaki
Shinoda, Director, Hiroshima Peacebuilders Centre (HPC), and Prof, at Tokyo University
of Foreign Studies. The topic of discussion was Indian and Japanese Perspectives
on the Indo-Pacific. Maj Gen RPS Bhadauria,
VSM (Retd), Director CS3 delivered the welcome remarks. This was followed by a brief
presentation on the history, significance, and work of the USI by Dr Roshan Khanijo,
Assistant Director (Research), CS3. The session began with Maj Gen RPS Bhadauria
providing a look into ‘The Indian Perspective
on the Indo-Pacific Region’. Following that, Prof Hideaki Shinoda, spoke on ‘The
Japanese perspective on the Indo-Pacific Region’. An interactive question and
answer session was conducted after the talk. Serving and retired military
officers and research scholars at the CS3 attended the RTD.
Opening Remarks by Maj Gen RPS Bhadauria
Key Takeaways
·
According to various international relations theories,
India and Japan are natural partners.
·
The Japanese side acknowledged the prevalent geopolitical
challenges in the region. Asia has its 'Indo-Pacific way’, distinct from the western
approach, therefore, collaboration between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region
becomes essential.
·
There are notable overlaps between India's Indo-Pacific
strategy and Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy. The Japanese side
discussed the pillars of FOIP, which converge with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
·
Democracies in the Indo-Pacific must be promoted
and work together for stability in the region.
·
Japan recognises India as a key partner, leading
the Global South. Hence, Japan aims to partner with various Global South nations
in the Indo-Pacific region.
Round Table Discussion
Report by Manav Saini, Research Assistant, CS3, USI