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India-Philippines and India-Japan bi-lateral relations

GS- II >>International Relations>> Bi-lateral Relations

Context: Philippines is redirecting its attention to Japan and India as alternative sources of development and security due to the geopolitical and sustainability concerns that have emerged due to Chinese-led infrastructure projects.

• This comes at a time when two collisions were reported earlier between Chinese vessels and Philippine boats on a resupply mission to Filipino troops on a remote outpost in the disputed South China Sea.

Cooperation between Philippines and Japan:

• Close Strategic Partnership: The Philippines and Japan have a close strategic partnership. Japan is identified as a major investor in the Philippines, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.
  • Additionally, Japan is the largest source of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) for the Philippines, indicating a strong economic and developmental collaboration.
  • Thus, the current state of ties between the Philippines and Japan is described as a ‘golden age.’
• Japanese Prime Minister’s Visit: The visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to the Philippines is a notable event. High-level visits between leaders of countries signify the importance both nations place on their relationship
• Japan as the First Recipient of Overseas Security Assistance (OSA): The statement mentions that the Philippines is the first recipient of Japan’s Overseas Security Assistance (OSA).
  • This indicates a willingness on the part of Japan to collaborate with the Philippines in matters related to security, potentially including areas such as defence and counterterrorism.
• Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) Negotiations: The formalization of negotiations for a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is a significant development.
  • Such agreements typically involve mutual access to each other’s military facilities and are indicative of a deepening security partnership between the two nations.

Cooperation between Philippines and India:

• Advancements in bilateral partnership: Philippines is reportedly incorporating India in its strategic calculations, indicating a growing relationship between the two countries.
• High-Level bilateral visits: These visits between the Philippines and India serve to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster collaboration on various fronts.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Coast Guards: It has been signed between the Philippine and Indian Coast Guards which will enhance interoperability, intelligence sharing, and maritime domain awareness between the two nations.
• Offer of Helicopters: India has offered to supply the Philippine Coast Guard with seven indigenously manufactured helicopters.
  • This offer is based on a soft loan agreement with extended payment terms, indicating a cooperative effort in enhancing the maritime capabilities of the Philippines.
• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Delivery: The understanding regarding delivery of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines would signify a defence collaboration between India and the Southeast Asian country.

Cooperation between Japan and India:

• Bolstered engagements in Southeast Asia: Both Japan and India are actively engaging with Southeast Asian countries.
  • This engagement is seen as a strategic move to counterbalance China’s growing economic influence and military capabilities in the region.
• Top choices for alternative Indo-Pacific Strategic Partners: According to the State of Southeast Asian Survey in 2023, Japan and India are identified as the top two choices for alternative Indo-Pacific strategic partners among Southeast Asian countries.

Apart from this India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is also categorized by

• Convergence on free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• Defence and security and in the region viz. QUAD, MALABAR.
• India and Japan signed a Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services Agreement (RPSS).
• The 2+2 ministerial meeting is present between the two countries.
• Japan’s Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’ Strategy and India’s ‘Act East’ Policy converge in action in the northeast of India—a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. Ex – Act EAST Forum.
• New Delhi and Tokyo have also embarked on a third-country cooperation model in the Indo-Pacific and beyond by Collaboration through infrastructure development in third countries (in the Indo- Pacific) such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC): A collaborative effort to soft-balance China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project.

Thus, India should focus on a third-country developmental model with Tokyo into the sub-region of the greater Indo-Pacific at a time when resident countries are looking for alternative sources of development and security amidst the polarising dynamics of the U.S.-China power competition.

Thus, the three democracies (Japan, India and the Philippines) can explore new opportunities for multi-faceted strategic cooperation.

Importance of South China Sea:

• Natural resources: The presence of substantial oil and natural gas reserves beneath the South China Sea, estimated at 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, makes it a valuable resource-rich area.
• Fishing grounds: The South China Sea is home to abundant and productive fishing grounds, providing a vital source of income and sustenance for millions of people across multiple countries.
• Trade routes: The South China Sea is a critical trade route, with over 21% of global trade, valued at $3.37 trillion, passing through its waters.
  • It connects major economies and serves as a lifeline for international commerce, making it vital for global economic stability.
• Geopolitical tensions: The territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly involving China, the United States, and Southeast Asian nations, have heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
  • The United States supports many Southeast Asian states in these disputes, adding to the complexities of the situation and influencing the balance of power.
• ASEAN inconsistencies: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states have differing positions on China’s maritime assertiveness and militarization in the South China Sea.
  • These inconsistencies have contributed to the challenges in resolving disputes and maintaining regional stability.
• QUAD concerns: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, acknowledges the importance of addressing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
  • They view this region as a critical theatre for regional security, with Japan particularly vested in the stability of maritime Southeast Asia.
  • The Quad is also concerned about the potential implications of Chinese actions on Taiwan, and the security dynamics in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Source: www.thehindu.com