The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 26th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India-Japan ties — old partners, new priorities

Why in News?

 The Prime Minister’s visit to Japan highlights India’s strategic goals, sending clear messages to both China and the U.S. 

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to Japan and China, starting on August 29, comes at a time of significant geopolitical change. While there are slight improvements in India-China relations after a period of tension, India’s relationship with the United States is becoming more uncertain, especially with the Trump administration seeming to distance itself from India. In this context, Modi’s visit to Tokyo is important for reasons beyond just bilateral relations.

Japan’s Major Investment Plan

A key aspect of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan is the announcement of a substantial ¥10 trillion (approximately $68 billion) investment plan by Japan in India over the next decade. This commitment is one of Tokyo's most ambitious towards New Delhi and aims to strengthen various sectors including:

• Infrastructure
• Manufacturing
• Clean Energy
• Technology Partnerships

The investment plan reflects Japan's long-term commitment to India's growth, especially as global investors remain cautious about China. Additionally, Japan is funding the next-generation E10 Shinkansen for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, which signifies both economic collaboration and technology transfer between the two countries.

On the strategic front, India and Japan plan to revise the 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, updating their defense and security partnership to address contemporary challenges. The proposed Economic Security Initiative will focus on critical areas such as:

• Semiconductors
• Critical Minerals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Clean Energy

This initiative aims to anchor Japan more firmly within India's diversified supply chains. Furthermore, the digital partnership between the two countries is set to expand, covering areas like artificial intelligence and startup ecosystems. Overall, these initiatives position India and Japan at the forefront of technological and security cooperation in Asia, reinforcing their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Factor: A Case of Strategic Balancing

The timing of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan is noteworthy, especially considering his subsequent attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Despite the strains in India-China relations following the 2020 Galwan clash, there are signs of tentative stabilization between the two nations, evidenced by:

• Resumption of direct flights
• Visa relaxations
• Trade facilitation efforts

Modi's itinerary, moving from Tokyo to Beijing within the same week, reflects a strategic balancing act. This approach allows India to engage with a trusted partner (Japan) while also addressing the complexities of its relationship with a neighboring competitor (China). The visit compartmentalizes focus areas for each country:

• Tokyo. Economic security, defense cooperation, Indo-Pacific stability
• Beijing. Managing tensions, exploring confidence-building measures, and maintaining open communication channels

 This balancing act is crucial, particularly given the unpredictability of the U.S. under the Trump administration. The Trump 2.0 era poses a risk to the progress made in the India-U.S. partnership, which has been a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific strategy under previous administrations. The Quad (comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.) remains vital to India’s Indo-Pacific vision. However, its effectiveness is contingent on consistent U.S. engagement. Signs of U.S. disengagement could undermine the Quad’s strategic coherence, raising concerns for India, Japan, and Australia about sustaining its credibility and operational depth. Beyond economic and defense considerations, Modi's visit to Japan sends a broader political message. It demonstrates that long-term cooperation can yield tangible outcomes and diversify economic footprints, as exemplified by Japan’s engagement with India. 

The Message

 Prime Minister Modi's visit to Tokyo is more about conveying a steady strategic intent rather than seeking immediate diplomatic wins. India aims to: 

• Keep communication channels open with Beijing
• Navigate the unpredictability of U.S. relations
• Strengthen enduring partnerships with like-minded countries in the region

 Japan's commitment to India during this visit reinforces the latter's position as one of its most reliable partners in tackling Indo-Pacific challenges, which include economic resilience and maritime security. This visit exemplifies a hallmark of Indian diplomacy in recent years: the ability to be flexible while maintaining strategic clarity. In an era of prolonged geopolitical uncertainty, Japan emerges as a crucial anchor partner for India. While Washington's commitment appears tenuous under short-term policies, and Beijing remains a competitor with lingering mistrust despite gestures of normalization, Japan stands out as a reliable ally. 

Conclusion

 The visit to Japan signifies more than just the strengthening of an existing partnership; it reflects an understanding of where India’s most dependable support lies in the current geopolitical landscape. Japan offers consistency, resources, and a shared strategic vision rooted in democratic values and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

Friends and foes

 Why in News? 

 Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently visited Dhaka, marking a significant diplomatic effort to mend the strained relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This visit is notable as it is the first high-level engagement between the two countries in 13 years. During his visit, Dar met with the Bangladeshi interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, and discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade and regional collaboration. 

 The backdrop of this visit is crucial, as relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been fraught with tension since 2009, primarily due to historical grievances and political differences. However, the change in Bangladesh's political landscape, particularly with the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, has opened up avenues for improved diplomatic ties. The involvement of China in facilitating dialogue between the two nations further underscores the shifting dynamics in the region. 

 Pakistan's High-Level Visit to Dhaka 

Recent Visit by Pakistan's Foreign Minister

•  Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, recently visited Dhaka, marking the first high-level visit in 13 years. 
•  This visit is significant as it reflects an effort to improve and strengthen the strained bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. 

Meetings and Discussions

•  During his visit, Ishaq Dar held discussions with members of the Bangladeshi interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus. 
•  He specifically met with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Touhid Hossain, to discuss various matters of mutual interest. 

 Historical Context and Strained Relations 

Background of Tension

•  Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been strained since 2009 when Sheikh Hasina came to power in Bangladesh. 
•  Several factors contributed to this tension, including the prosecution of individuals accused of collaborating with Pakistan during the 1971 liberation war, and the historical events surrounding the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family. 

Key Incidents Straining Relations

•  The prosecution of war collaborators in Bangladesh was a significant point of contention, as it involved individuals accused of aiding Pakistan during the war for independence. 
•  The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, and most of his family in 1975 further complicated relations, as it raised questions about the role of Pakistan in these events. 
•  In 2015, relations soured further when a Pakistani diplomat was expelled from Bangladesh due to alleged links to a terror group, and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan was recalled. 

Efforts at Repair and Facilitation by China

•  Although diplomatic envoys were later restored, efforts to repair relations gained momentum after Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August 2022. 
•  China played a facilitative role in this process by establishing a trilateral mechanism in Kunming involving Bangladesh and Pakistan, aimed at improving bilateral ties. 

 Agreements and Areas of Cooperation 

Visa Facilitation for Diplomats

•  Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to restore visa facilitation for diplomats, aiming to ease travel and enhance diplomatic interactions between the two countries. 

Direct Flights

•  The reintroduction of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh was discussed, which is expected to boost connectivity and facilitate easier travel for individuals and businesses. 

Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

•  Pakistan offered to provide scholarships for Bangladeshi students, promoting educational exchanges and opportunities for students from Bangladesh to study in Pakistan. 

Trade Enhancement

•  Both sides explored ways to enhance trade relations, which currently stand at under $1 billion. 
•  Efforts will be made to identify and promote trade opportunities to increase the volume of trade between the two countries. 

 Outstanding Issues 

Historical Demands from Bangladesh

•  The interim government of Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus is pressing for long-standing demands from Pakistan, which include: 
•  A formal apology from Pakistan for the alleged genocide that occurred during the 1971 liberation war. 
•  Financial compensation for the victims and families affected by the actions during the war. 
•  The repatriation of "Stranded Pakistanis," also known as Urdu-speaking Muhajirs, who remain loyal to Pakistan and are still residing in Bangladesh. 

Regional Cooperation

•  During the discussions, regional cooperation was emphasized as a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship. 
•  Mr. Yunus highlighted the need to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which could foster greater collaboration and integration among South Asian countries. 

 India's Perspective 

Suspicion of Thaw in Pakistan-Bangladesh Ties

•  India views the improving relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh with suspicion. 
•  This suspicion is partly due to reports suggesting that Pakistani diplomats have been supporting Jamaat-e-Islami student activists during anti-Hasina protests in Bangladesh, which raises concerns about Pakistan's influence in Bangladesh. 

Growing Military and Intelligence Contacts

•  India is also wary of the growing military and intelligence contacts between Pakistan and Bangladesh. 
•  These increasing ties could potentially alter the regional security dynamics and impact India's strategic interests in the region. 

Risk of Being Cut Out of Regional Dynamics

•  As Pakistan works to strengthen its ties with Bangladesh, India risks being sidelined in the regional dynamics of South Asia. 
•  The cooling of India-Bangladesh relations, particularly under the current interim government in Bangladesh, creates a vacuum that Pakistan is eager to fill. 

Recent Meetings and Engagements

•  Despite recent meetings between Indian and Bangladeshi leaders, such as Prime Minister Modi meeting with Mr. Yunus in April, there has been a lack of high-level visits or invitations from India to Bangladesh. 
•  This absence of engagement further highlights India's diminishing influence and the shifting regional landscape. 

 Strategic Implications 

Upcoming Elections in Bangladesh

•  With the upcoming elections in Bangladesh scheduled for February, India faces the challenge of broadening its political engagement with multiple parties in Bangladesh. 
•  It is crucial for India to establish connections and build relationships with various political groups to maintain its influence and interests in Bangladesh. 

Encouraging Inclusivity Under Yunus Government

•  India should encourage a more inclusive political process under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. 
•  Promoting inclusivity will help ensure a stable and cooperative political environment in Bangladesh that is conducive to India's interests. 

Challenges of Regional South Asian Grouping

•  The absence of a strong regional South Asian grouping complicates India's efforts to maintain influence over bilateral ties involving Bangladesh and Pakistan. 
•  Without a robust regional framework, India faces difficulties in navigating the complex dynamics of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. 

 Conclusion 

 The visit of Pakistan's Foreign Minister to Dhaka signifies a notable effort towards improving Pakistan-Bangladesh relations through diplomatic discussions, trade initiatives, and enhanced visa facilitation. However, the visit also highlights the persistent historical issues that need to be addressed and the ongoing regional strategic rivalries that influence these bilateral ties. For India, this development underscores the necessity for broader political engagement in Bangladesh and a pragmatic approach to managing the evolving dynamics within South Asia.