The Indo-Pacific region has become the epicenter of geopolitical contestation and collaboration in the 21st century. The United States, recognizing the strategic significance of this maritime expanse, has articulated the Indo-Pacific Strategy to foster a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order. Japan and India, as major powers in the region, are integral to the success of this strategy. This chapter delves into the trilateral partnership among the U.S., Japan, and India, examining its historical evolution, geopolitical interests, economic engagements, and security collaborations within the context of the Indo-Pacific. The study reveals that the confluence of interests among the U.S., Japan, and India is pivotal in shaping the Indo-Pacific narrative and in countering challenges to the rules-based order, particularly from a rising China. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations for strengthening the trilateral partnership and for ensuring a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
TopIntroduction
The Indo-Pacific region, a vast maritime expanse encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has emerged as a critical nexus of geopolitical, economic, and security interests for major global powers. With its bustling sea lanes, burgeoning economies, and strategic chokepoints, the region is not only vital for global trade but also a theater for geopolitical competition and cooperation (Wei, 2022). The strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific has been accentuated by the rise of China and its increasing assertiveness in maritime affairs, which has prompted other regional players and external powers to reassess their roles and strategies in the region.
In this context, the United States, as a Pacific power with longstanding interests and alliances in Asia, has articulated a comprehensive strategy known as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy (White House, 2022). This strategy aims at promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the region. It seeks to ensure freedom of navigation, respect for international law, economic prosperity, and security cooperation among like-minded partners (Pelham, 2022). The U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy is seen as a response to the challenges posed by China’s growing influence and is aimed at reinforcing the rules-based international order.
Within the framework of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, Japan and India play pivotal roles. Japan has been a proponent of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and has actively sought to enhance its security and economic engagements in the region. India, with its “Act East” policy and its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, has been gradually assuming a more prominent role in regional security and economic affairs. The alignment of these interests with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy is crucial for regional stability (Hu, 2022).
The importance of Japan and India in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy cannot be overstated. Their participation is crucial in creating a balance of power, ensuring maritime security, and fostering economic cooperation. Moreover, the trilateral partnership among the U.S., Japan, and India is seen as a cornerstone for building a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
This chapter delves into the intricate dynamics of the trilateral relationship among the United States, Japan, and India, set against the vast and strategic backdrop of the Indo-Pacific region. Central to our exploration is an understanding of how these nations' geopolitical interests not only intersect with but also bolster the overarching aims of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. These interests, deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of history, reflect a complex evolution of relations that have, over time, sculpted the foundation for contemporary trilateral cooperation.
Our inquiry extends to the theoretical underpinnings of this partnership, examining through the lenses of Realism and Liberalism how these international relations theories elucidate the interactions and strategies employed by the U.S., Japan, and India in navigating the geopolitical currents of the Indo-Pacific. This theoretical framework aids in deciphering the multifaceted economic engagements that bind these nations, engagements that are pivotal to the advancement of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Moreover, the evolution of security collaborations among these nations emerges as a critical focal point. These collaborations, which have evolved in response to the region's changing security landscape, underscore the significance of deepened cooperation for regional stability and security. Within this context, we scrutinize the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for enhancing trilateral cooperation, mindful of the overarching goal to sustain a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
By charting the course of this trilateral partnership, our study aims to contribute a nuanced understanding of how these collaborations serve broader regional goals and the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific, paving the way for a future where cooperation continues to thrive amidst the complexities of international relations.
Through a qualitative analysis of geopolitical interests, historical relations, economic engagements, and security collaborations, this chapter aims to elucidate the significance of the trilateral partnership and provide insights into its implications for regional security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The article also seeks to understand the role of international relations theories in explaining the dynamics of this trilateral relationship.