India, the world's largest democracy, boasts a young population that makes up more than half of its citizens. Among its most significant international partners, Japan stands out as one of India's oldest and most crucial development allies. Their partnership is grounded in shared values such as democracy, human rights, and a market-driven economy. Japan's collaboration with India is strategically focused on complementing each nation's strengths and addressing their respective financial, technological, and human resources gaps.
This development cooperation is a key component of the "Japan-India Special Strategic Global Partnership." To mitigate infrastructure challenges hindering investment and growth, Japan supports the development of transportation hubs and network infrastructure across India. This includes projects in railways, such as high-speed trains and metros, national highways, expressways, and electricity networks, all aimed at enhancing connectivity among major industrial cities and economic zones. Projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) are central to this initiative, alongside efforts to improve regional connectivity, particularly in India's Northeast, as affirmed during recent bilateral summits.
Since 2020, Japan and India have moved closer to collaborating on projects in countries across the Bay of Bengal region, a partnership that carries significant geopolitical implications. This third-country cooperation in South Asia will shape competition for influence in the developing world and impact the balance of power along India’s border regions with China. Japan’s involvement, particularly in India's Northeast, supports New Delhi’s strategic efforts to counterbalance its neighbor’s presence in the region, making Japan a key partner in India's broader geopolitical strategy.
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that as of 2022, Japan has extended 567.5 billion yen in ODA loans to India for various projects. To further strengthen ties, Japan should focus on promoting its involvement in India's public infrastructure and undertake cultural projects to enhance its public image. Emphasizing Japan's sustainable and transparent approach to development financing could boost Japan's credibility in the Global South. Japan's projects, managed by JICA, involve extensive public consultations and make feasibility and sustainability reports publicly available, reinforcing Japan’s reputation as a reliable partner in development across the Indo-Pacific.
