According to information released by the Japanese Ministry of Defense on October 8th, the destroyer JS Ariake of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) recently conducted a joint exercise with the supply ship INS Shakti of the Indian Navy in the Bay of Bengal.
According to an analysis by the military news site Armyrecognition, India and Japan share concerns about the increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Both countries believe that China's aggressive territorial expansion, particularly in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and its broader strategy to expand its influence across the Indo-Pacific region are significant challenges.
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| The Japanese Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake and the Indian Deepark-class supply ship INS Shakti. (Image source: Japan Ministry of Defense) |
For India, China's "String of Pearls" strategy, which involves building partnerships and establishing naval bases in countries such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Myanmar, is seen as an attempt to encircle India and limit its influence in the Indian Ocean.
China's increased naval deployment, including submarines, in the Indian Ocean has further heightened India's concerns. In response, India has increased its maritime surveillance and strengthened cooperation with allies, particularly Japan, to counter China's activities.
Similarly, Japan faces direct threats from China, particularly concerning the disputed Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu in China). China's actions in the East China Sea and its growing military capabilities have prompted Japan to strengthen its defenses, especially in the southwestern islands, and to enhance security partnerships, particularly through the Quad alliance, which includes India, Japan, the United States, and Australia.
Both countries have responded to these threats by strengthening military cooperation. India and Japan recently signed a 10-year military treaty allowing for greater coordination between their armed forces, particularly in naval operations.
This treaty is seen as a strategic move to counter Chinese assertiveness and is part of a broader effort to bolster the Quad as a counterweight to China in the region. The two countries regularly conduct joint naval exercises, such as the “Malabar” exercises, to improve interoperability and readiness to counter potential Chinese threats.
Furthermore, India and Japan have recently strengthened their naval defense cooperation, focusing on key technology transfers and joint development projects. A central focus of these efforts is Japan's decision to export its "UNICORN" stealth antenna system to India, marking a significant step forward in the defense relationship between the two countries.
The UNICORN system, officially known as the Unified Radio Complex Antenna, integrates various communication and radar functions to enhance the stealth capabilities of naval vessels. This equipment, initially used on Japan's Mogami-class destroyers, will be installed on several Indian Navy ships.
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