Japan’s Strategy towards India in the Early 21st Century and its Impacts

　　ABSTRACT: Since the beginning of the 21st Century, Japan has practiced “value oriented diplomacy,” advancing the notion of an “arc of freedom and prosperity,” and placing much importance on building a “global strategic partnership” with India, developing political, security and economic cooperation with it. Japan has used economic cooperation to promote the development of political and security cooperation with India, enhancing its influence on the South Asian sub-continent and in the Indian Ocean. This has protected the security of its maritime shipping routes and enhanced its strategic position in Asia, while squeezing China’s strategic space. China, Japan and India must manage their differences, enhance their various strategic dialogues, and strengthen strategic trust and cooperation. This will provide the basic trust necessary for the emergence of cooperative and consultative mechanisms between the three states.