Original source:https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInJapan/
The Embassy of India in Tokyo (@IndEmbTokyo), in collaboration with the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), co-hosted a special seminar titled “India–Japan and 10 Years of the Free & Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) Concept”, bringing together diplomats, policy experts, scholars, and strategic thinkers for an in-depth discussion on one of the most influential regional frameworks of the past decade.
The seminar marked ten years of the Free & Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, a concept that has reshaped strategic, economic, and security thinking across the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions focused on how India and Japan have jointly contributed to shaping and strengthening this framework through shared democratic values, rule of law, freedom of navigation, and regional cooperation.
The keynote addresses set a strong and thoughtful tone for the event. Ms. Nagma Mohamed Mallick, Ambassador-designate of India to Japan, highlighted the growing depth of India–Japan relations and underscored FOIP as a practical, inclusive, and forward-looking vision that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity across the region. She emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between like-minded nations to address emerging regional and global challenges.
Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu, Chairman of the Institute for International Strategy, Japan Research Institute (JRI), and former Ambassador of Japan to India, reflected on the evolution of FOIP over the past decade. Drawing from his extensive diplomatic experience, he spoke about the strategic convergence between India and Japan and the critical role their partnership plays in maintaining a balanced and resilient Indo-Pacific order.
Adding further depth to the discussions, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Shri R. Madhu Sudan participated as a panelist, contributing to engaging and insightful exchanges during the sessions. His interventions highlighted India’s perspective on regional cooperation, connectivity, maritime security, and the importance of inclusive growth under the FOIP framework.
The seminar concluded with a shared recognition that India–Japan cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Free & Open Indo-Pacific vision. As FOIP enters its second decade, speakers and participants reaffirmed the need for continued dialogue, strategic coordination, and people-to-people engagement to ensure a stable, open, and rules-based regional order.
The event stood as a testament to the enduring strength of India–Japan ties and their joint commitment to shaping a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific for the future.
