Kishida to visit India to discuss Japan’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

The Prime Minister of Japan is set to visit India next week with a focus on promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific” amidst concerns over China’s military assertiveness in the region. During his two-day visit, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will meet with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss bolstering Japan-India strategic partnership and is anticipated to unveil a new strategy for a free and open Indo-Pacific, seeking India’s support in implementing it. India and Japan have been strengthening their relations, particularly in defense and strategic affairs, as both nations face threats from China. The visit is in line with Japan’s National Security Strategy, which states that Japan will promote joint development of defense equipment and training with “like-minded countries and others in the Indo-Pacific region.” The two countries are also part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the Quad, which is an informal strategic grouping composed of the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. Members of the Quad have increased defense cooperation due to growing concerns over China’s military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.