India’s relations with East Asian countries have been progressing within the framework of a strategic and multifaceted approach. India’s Eastern Policy, which is covering diplomacy, economy and cultural areas, aims to deepen its relations with Japan, South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. From a geopolitical perspective, these connections promote regional stability and cooperation.
Bilateral trade agreements and strategic partnerships that focus on technology, infrastructure and innovation, as well as participation in forums such as the East Asia Summit, strengthen dialogue on security issues. Moreover, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections further reinforce a shared commitment to prosperity and mutual understanding in the region.
If India’s relations with Japan are evaluated, it is seen that the commercial and economic cooperation of the two countries has increased. Although there are cultural and linguistic differences, India and Japan work together on many issues in the Asia Pacific. Earlier this year, the two countries held their first joint air exercises.[1] With the recent increase in tension on the Korean Peninsula, Japan’s diplomacy traffic in the field of defense has intensified for further cooperation.
In economic terms, the interest of Japanese companies in India is growing. According to the survey conducted by the government-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Japanese companies see India as the most favorable overseas investment destination for the second straight year.[2] Therefore, it is important to understand that trade with India is gaining value for Japan and that bilateral relations are progressing in a positive direction. Furthermore, Many companies expressed concern about economic security amid growing friction between Beijing and Washington.[3]
South Korea, another US ally in the Asia Pacific, has also established close contacts with India in recent months. In the first week of December, 2023, the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and South Korea was celebrated. Thus, it is significant that the heads of state of the two countries emphasize the importance of cooperation and demand that it increase more actively. In this context, On December 10, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the ties between India and South Korea as a journey of mutual respect, shared values and growing partnerships in a post on X.[4] Likewise, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol voiced hopes to strengthen the special strategic partnership with India as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties this year.[5]
While Yoon visited India for the G20 summit in September, a bilateral visit is expected to push certain key initiatives in the relationship. These include prospective cooperation on advanced technologies, trade and a migration and mobility agreement.[6] Following the summit meeting, President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral cooperation in areas such as the defense industry and supply chains, and to increase cooperation in space.
India’s relations with China, another Far Eastern country, are also experiencing ups and downs because the US-India rapprochement harms relations with China on many issues. Moreover, it could be remarked that these two countries have been competing with each other in terms of population as well as global economic competition. Therefore, it becomes uneasy to keep India-China relations on track in South Asia and the Far East, where regional security is constantly under threat. In other words, the constant tension in the border region of these two world powers also negatively influences regional security and stability.
Even though there are disagreements between India and China, it should be said that both countries are in favor of maintaining the current balance in terms of regional stability. These two countries, which need each other economically, have managed to display as much moderation as possible in a period when global conflicts are increasing.As a result, India’s position here is crucial in terms of maintaining the balance of power between the USA and China.
[1] Shuriah Niazi, “India, Japan Mull Joint Work in Tech, Strategy, Culture”, Anadolu Ajansı, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/india-japan-mull-joint-work-in-tech-strategy-culture/2956614, (Erişim Tarihi: 17.12.2023).
[2] “Japan Sees India as Promising Investment Destination”, NHK Worlds News, https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231214_34/index.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 17.12.2023).
[3] Ibıd
[4] “Journey Of Mutual Respect, Shared Values”: PM Modi On India-South Korea Ties”, NDTV World, https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/journey-of-mutual-respect-shared-values-pm-narendra-modi-on-india-south-korea-ties-4650865, (Erişim Tarihi: 17.12.2023).
[5] Chae Yun-hwan, “Yoon Voices Hopes to Strengthen Special Strategic Partnership with India”, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231210002300315?section=search, (Erişim Tarihi: 17.12.2023).
[6] Shashank Mattoo, “S. Korea Wants Its President to Visit India to Deepen Ties”, Mint, https://www.livemint.com/news/world/s-korea-wants-its-president-to-visit-india-to-deepen-ties-11699982374534.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 17.12.2023).
