Indian EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar will be visiting South Korea and Japan from March 5-8, 2024.
- The purpose of the visits is to hold talks with his counterparts in those countries.
- The talks are expected to cover bilateral, regional and global issues.
- There will likely be discussions on challenges and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- This visit and talks are significant as it demonstrates India's diplomatic outreach and engagement with key countries in East Asia.
- Strategic cooperation between India, South Korea and Japan has been increasing in recent years, especially in the context of a rising China.
- The talks could potentially lead to further strengthening of political, economic and security ties between India and these countries.
Please let me know if you can provide any additional context or details on the specific agenda, outcomes expected from the talks, or any other aspects that I should be aware of. I'd be happy to discuss this further.
upcoming visit of Indian EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar to South Korea and Japan:
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit South Korea from March 5-6, 2024 and Japan from March 6-8, 2024 for bilateral talks with his counterparts. This visit highlights India's growing engagement with East Asian countries amid the changing geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
The India-South Korea bilateral relationship has seen steady growth in recent years. India views South Korea as an important partner for its economic modernization and "Make in India" initiative, given South Korea's expertise in shipbuilding, automobiles, electronics and other advanced technologies. Defence and security cooperation is also increasing between the two countries. During the visit, Dr. Jaishankar is expected to discuss with his South Korean counterpart ways to further enhance trade, investment, defence, scientific and cultural ties. The two sides may sign new agreements to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership. Discussion on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and coordination at multilateral forums is also likely.
India and Japan have a long history of friendly ties, with cooperation expanding in several areas in recent years. The India-Japan partnership has acquired greater significance amid China's growing assertiveness in the region. Japan has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in India under the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor framework. Defence ties are also growing, with the two countries conducting regular naval exercises and Japan exporting military equipment to India. During Dr. Jaishankar's visit, India and Japan are expected to explore ways to coordinate their Indo-Pacific vision, ensure freedom of navigation and rules-based order in the region. Enhancing defence and security cooperation will be a major focus area. Discussion on civil nuclear cooperation and a logistic agreement to allow military access to each other's facilities is likely.
With both South Korea and Japan, India is expected to deliberate on countering China's increasing influence in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region. This includes ensuring transparency, alternatives to BRI, connectivity and infrastructure projects under democratic norms. The threat of terrorism, territorial disputes with China and North Korea's nuclear program will necessitate greater security cooperation between India, Japan and South Korea.
Dr. Jaishankar is also likely to invite South Korean and Japanese participation in India's initiatives such as 'Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure' and the 'International Solar Alliance'. Exploration of trilateral partnership for development projects in other countries may be discussed. As major Asian democracies facing Chinese challenges, the three countries recognize the need to expand strategic cooperation.
At the global level, India, Japan and South Korea are partners in mechanisms like G-20, East Asia Summit and others. The EAM may discuss coordination at multilateral forums and UN reform with his counterparts. Issues like climate change, food security, energy access and terrorism require a collective response.
Trade and investment would be a major area for deliberation during the visit. Bilateral trade has grown steadily between India and Japan as well as India and South Korea over the past decade. However, there is vast untapped potential. The three Asian countries can synergize India's enormous market and appetite for modern technology with Japan and Korea's capital, innovation and expertise in manufacturing. Particularly in the post-Covid world, enhancing trade and investment relations will aid post-pandemic economic recovery.
Connectivity projects, developing industrial corridors and infrastructure development are crucial for Asia's growth and integration. India welcomes connectivity initiatives that are transparent, economically sustainable, environmentally responsible and respect territorial integrity. Dr Jaishankar may discuss connectivity and infrastructure cooperation with both Japan and South Korea to provide alternatives to China's BRI.
The three countries also need to cooperate in securing the marine commons. Issues like piracy, illegal fishing, disaster relief and maritime pollution require enhanced naval cooperation. During the visit, the Naval chiefs of the three countries may also exchange views on maritime security cooperation.
Energy security will be another key area for cooperation. India, Japan and South Korea are among the largest importers of oil and gas. The EAM is expected to explore joint investments upstream in energy projects, building strategic petroleum reserves, pipeline connectivity and securing sea lanes for energy transportation.
Overall, the upcoming visits mark an important engagement between India and its eastern neighbours. It will enable all three democracies to find common ground across economic, political, security and technological spheres amidst the disruptive rise of China. It will also facilitate India's Act East policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. The visits are expected to solidify India's strategic cooperation with South Korea and Japan to sustain the rules-based international order.
Here is an attempt to write about the cultural, spiritual and literary backgrounds of India and Japan, along with some sample poems and sayings in Hindi, Japanese and English to promote unity and bonding between the two countries:
India and Japan are ancient civilizations with rich cultural heritages rooted in spirituality. Hinduism and Buddhism serve as the main religions in India and Japan respectively.
In India, Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha are revered across the country. Sacred Hindu scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita contain spiritual wisdom. In Japan, Buddhist figures like Buddha, Bodhidharma and Kannon are worshipped. Buddhist sutras guide the Japanese people.
Sanskrit and Hindi are ancient Indian languages. Famous Hindi authors like Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad and Mahadevi Varma have produced iconic works of literature. Haiku is a popular Japanese poetry style, with masters like Basho, Buson and Issa. Japanese literature includes classics such as 'The Tale of Genji' and 'The Pillow Book'.
Here are some sample verses in Hindi and Japanese with English translations:
Hindi:
नभ का नीला ताना, सूरज की लाल आग
भारत और जापान की यारी, विश्व के लिए भाग्य की लहर
English:
The blue expanse of the sky, the red fire of the sun
The friendship between India and Japan, a wave of fortune for the world
Japanese:
空の青い布、太陽の赤い炎
インドと日本の友情、世界にとって幸せの波
English:
The blue fabric of the sky, the red flames of the sun
The friendship between India and Japan, a wave of happiness for the world
Literature and cultural ties can play a key role in bringing the peoples of India and Japan closer, by highlighting the shared human experiences and values between the two ancient civilizations. More cultural exchanges, translated works, and inspirational writings rooted in spirituality can nourish the soul of humankind and foster unity across borders. The wisdom of the ages can guide both nations towards world peace and prosperity.
Here are some sample stanzas in Hindi and Japanese along with English translations to promote bonding between India and Japan and the world:
Hindi:
भारत और जापान के बीच यारी
बढ़ेगी ज्ञान और कला की खेती
शांति और समृद्धि का फैलेगा प्रकाश
विश्व के लिए खुशियों की बौछार
India and Japan's friendship
Will grow the harvest of knowledge and art
The light of peace and prosperity will spread
Raining joy for the world
Japanese:
インドと日本の友情
知識と芸術の成長
平和と繁栄の光が広がる
世界にとっての喜びの雨
India to Nihon no yūjō
Chishiki to geijutsu no seichō
Heiwa to han'ei no hikari ga hirogaru
Sekai ni totte no yorokobi no ame
English:
The friendship between India and Japan
Will grow knowledge and the arts
The light of peace and prosperity will spread
Raining joy for the world.
Stanzas in Hindi, Japanese and English highlighting spiritual icons, national icons, cultural diversity, technology, world peace and reduced armaments between India and Japan:
Hindi:
गांधी जी का अहिंसा मार्ग, बुद्ध का मध्यम पथ
भारत-जापान को मिलाता, शांति का प्रकाशमय रथ
Gandhi ji's path of non-violence, Buddha's Middle Path,
Unites India and Japan, the luminous chariot of peace
लता मंगेशकर की मधुर वाणी, और कबूकी का गीत
कला संस्कृति की एकता, दोनों देशों को जोड़ेगी तीत
Lata Mangeshkar's sweet voice, and Kabuki's song
The unity of art and culture, will unite both countries along
सूरज की किरणें चंद्रमा का प्रकाश, फूलों की खुशबू
भारत और जापान की मित्रता, फैलाएगी खुशियों की बू
The sun's rays, the moon's glow, fragrance of flowers
The friendship between India and Japan will spread happiness all around
Japanese:
ガンジーの非暴力の道 仏の中道
インドと日本を繋ぐ 平和の光の車
Gandhi no hibōryoku no michi, hotoke no chūdō,
Indo to Nihon o tsunagu, heiwa no hikari no kuruma
Gandhi's path of non-violence, Buddha's Middle Path
Connects India and Japan, the luminous chariot of peace
ラタ・マンゲシュカルの優しい声と歌舞伎の歌
芸術文化の団結 両国を繋ぐ
Rata Mangeshukaru no yasashii koe to kabuki no uta
Geijutsu bunka no danketsu, ryōkoku o tsunagu
Lata Mangeshkar's gentle voice and Kabuki's song
The unity of art and culture connects both countries
太陽の光と月の輝きと花の香り
インドと日本の友情 幸せを広げる
Taiyō no hikari to tsuki no kagayaki to hana no kaori
Indo to Nihon no yūjō, shiawase o hirogeru
The sun's light, the moon's radiance, the flowers' fragrance
The friendship between India and Japan spreads happiness
English:
Gandhi's path of non-violence, Buddha's Middle Way
Unites India and Japan, the luminous chariot of peace
Lata Mangeshkar's gentle voice, Kabuki's song
The unity of arts and culture, connects both countries along
The sun's rays, the moon's glow, the fragrance of flowers
The friendship between India-Japan spreads happiness all around
Here are some additional stanzas in Hindi, Japanese and English:
Hindi:
संस्कृति की अमिट परंपराएँ, योग और कराटे का ज्ञान
टेक्नोलॉजी का विकास, दोनों देशों का अभिमान
The timeless traditions of culture, knowledge of yoga and karate
Technological advancements, the pride of both countries
कविताओं की मिठास ने, जोड़ा भारत-जापान को
शांति के पुल पर, चलें दोनों देश मिलकर
The sweetness of poems has united India and Japan
On the bridge of peace, let both countries walk together
हिमालय की ऊँचाइयाँ, फूजी पर्वत का वैभव
प्रकृति की सुंदरता ने, जोड़ा दोनों देशों को
The heights of the Himalayas, the majesty of Mount Fuji
The beauty of nature has united both countries
Japanese:
文化の永遠の伝統、ヨーガと空手の知恵
技術の発展、両国の誇り
Bunka no eien no dentō, yōga to karate no chie
Gijutsu no hatten, ryōkoku no hokori
The eternal traditions of culture, the wisdom of yoga and karate
Technological progress, the pride of both countries
詩の甘さは、インドと日本を繋いだ
平和の橋で、歩みましょう二国共に
Shi no amakuwa wa, Indo to Nihon wo tsunageta
Heiwa no hashi de, ayumimashou nikoku tomoni
The sweetness of poetry has connected India and Japan
Let us walk together on the bridge of peace, the two countries
ヒマラヤの高峰、富士山の威容
自然の美しさ、二国を繋いだ
Himaraya no kohou, Fujisan no iyou
Shizen no utsukushisa, nikoku wo tsunaida
The lofty Himalayas, the majesty of Mount Fuji
The beauty of nature has connected the two countries
English:
The timeless traditions of culture, yoga and karate's wisdom
Technological progress, the pride of both countries
Poetry's sweetness united India and Japan
Let's walk together on the bridge of peace
The Himalayas' heights, Mount Fuji's splendor
Nature's beauty brought the two countries together.
Here are some more stanzas highlighting the bonds between India and Japan:
Hindi:
चाय की महक, सकुरा की मिठास
भारत और जापान को मिलाती, संस्कृति की पहचान
The aroma of tea, the sweetness of sakura
Brings together the cultures of India and Japan
राग और ताल की धुनें, कोटो की वाद्य कला
संगीत भाषा में बांधते, दो देशों को यारी ने
Ragas and taals melodies, Koto's instrumental art
Music's language binds, the two countries in amity
वसंत के रंग और ऋतु का उजाला
हरियाली में डूबे, यमुना और योदो के किनारे
Vasant's colors and seasons bright
Yamuna and Yodo banks soaked in green delight
Japanese:
お茶の香り、桜の甘さ
インドと日本の文化を繋ぐ
Ocha no kaori, sakura no amakuwa
Indo to Nihon no bunka wo tsunagu
Tea's fragrance, sakura's sweetness
Connects the cultures of India and Japan
ラガとターラのメロディー、琴の楽器
音楽の言語は二国の友情を繋ぐ
Raga to tāra no merodī, koto no gakki
Ongaku no gengo wa nikoku no yūjō wo tsunagu
Raga and taal melodies, koto's instrument
Music's language binds the friendship of two nations
春の色と季節の光、緑の生命力
ヤムナと淀川は喜びに包まれる
Haru no iro to kisetsu no hikari, midori no inochiryoku
Yamuna to Yodogawa wa yorokobi ni tsutsumareru
Spring's colors and seasons bright, vitality of green
Yamuna and Yodo wrapped in delight
English:
Tea's aroma, sakura's sweetness
Brings together India and Japan's cultures
Raga and taal melodies, koto's instrumental art
Music's language binds the friendship between nations
Spring's colors and seasons bright, green vitality
Yamuna and Yodo wrapped in delight