Putting more Indo into the Indo-Pacific

India continues its balancing act on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Discussions between visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Narendra Modi addressed the situation in Ukraine. The joint statement does not call out Russia for violating the sovereignty of Ukraine or the unfolding humanitarian crisis. The agreements between India and Japan, including investments worth $42 billion over five years, and the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific are factors New Delhi must consider as it fashions its global engagement.

India-Japan ties are historical, going beyond economy to include intangible bonds. Yet, the high gear partnership is relatively new. Kishida's India visit, his first foreign visit as prime minister, has deepened these ties with clean energy partnerships and investments, agreements ranging across sectors - wastewater management, electric vehicle development, horticulture, etc. These partnerships are critical to India's ambitions of growing its economy and creating jobs. As is India's critical role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. As a major developing country economy, India must recognise that it cannot do it alone. It will require engaging with the world - which means taking positions and considering trade-offs.

Kishida is spot on - Russia's invasion of Ukraine has changed international relations. Historically, India's approach has been part reactive and part avoidance. It worked for a long time, even after the Cold War. The war in Ukraine has changed that. India's engagement with the world must be more strategic, recognising trade-offs, and long-term interests. As a developing country with a global presence, India must become the voice of those who are not at the table, including the left behind.