Centre for Air Power Studies - EmErging india-Japan partnErship in BangladEsh - Simran Walia

Summary

In this speech PM Abe referred to the integration and linkage of the Pacific and Indian Oceans to make establish FOIP.4 The complementary frameworks of India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative and Japan’s FOIP offer opportunities for both India and Japan to expand their regional cooperation. [...] The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) initiative forayed the two in the funding and development of roads, hospitals, and a variety of infrastructure projects in Africa.6 India and Japan have expressed interest in funding Bangladeshi infrastructure projects such as the Araihazar Economic Zone, the Dhaka-Siliguri rail link, and the Chilahati- 26 September 2023 | PAGE - 2 Centre for Air Power Studie. [...] • Realising the potential of India’s landlocked NE Region, which is essential for enhancing multimodal connectivity in the South and Southeast Asian Region • Establishing an industrial hub in Bangladesh With the aim of facilitating and promoting industrialisation in the region and 26 September 2023 | PAGE - 3 Centre for Air Power Studies I S S U E B R I E F subsequently assisting in the formation. [...] Tokyo will mobilise US$75 billion in public and private funds in the Indo-Pacific area by 2030 to realise Kishida’s vision of the region’s growth that is transparent and inclusive.1⁸ China’s growing economic and military presence around the Indian Ocean region and the Indo-Pacific region and its links with Bangladesh and other South Asian neighbours have alerted both India and Japan. [...] Beyond its natural riches and vital maritime location in the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal is home to more than a quarter of the world’s population as well as some of the fastest-growing economies, such as Bangladesh and India, both of which have relatively young populations and significant urbanisation tendencies.