THE CHINA FACTOR IN INDIA-JAPAN RELATIONS: AN INTERPRETATION

This research paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the bilateral cooperation between the two oldest democracies of Asia India and Japan in the 21st Century, examining the political, economic, defence & security and cultural aspects. The formal diplomatic relations between the two nations have been established in April 1952. Both nations have close economic relations since 1991. They have strong defence & security cooperation since 2008. In the recent years, the defense exchanges between the two nations have gained strength due to the issues of peace, security and stability in the “Indo-Pacific region”. They have also centuries-old cultural & civilizational ties enriched by the shared heritage of the Buddhism dating back to 4th Century A.D. Moreover, the study finds that both India and Japan have come closer for making a balance of power in the Asian continent against the backdrop of the aggressive China in South Asia and South China Sea.