12 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. JAPAN INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE – 24 (JIMEX – 24) COMMENCED AT YOKOSUKA JAPAN

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Context

INS Shivalik’s participation in the Japan – India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX 24) marks the eighth edition of this bilateral exercise since its inception in 2012. The exercise aims to enhance maritime security cooperation between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region.

Analysis of the news:

• The Indian Navy’s indigenous Stealth Frigate INS Shivalik arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, for the bilateral Japan – India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX 24), marking the eighth edition since 2012.
• VAdm ITO Hiroshi, Commander JMSDF Yokosuka District, and Ambassador Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan, extended a warm welcome to the ship.
• The exercise comprises both harbour and sea phases, involving professional, sports, and social interactions in the harbour phase.
• During the sea phase, the navies will conduct joint warfighting exercises to enhance interoperability in surface, sub-surface, and air domains.
• INS Shivalik represents the Indian Navy, while the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Yugiri represents the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
• Integral helicopters from both navies will participate in the exercise.
• JIMEX 24, evolving in scope and complexity, facilitates mutual learning and operational interactions between the Indian Navy and JMSDF to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

India – Japan Defence Cooperation:

Strategic Partnership: India and Japan have forged a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Dialogue: The two countries hold regular high-level defence dialogues to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, regional security issues, and military exchanges. Bilateral Exercises: India and Japan conduct various bilateral military exercises, including the Japan – India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX), the annual Malabar naval exercise (involving the United States), and the bilateral army exercise called Dharma Guardian. Technology Cooperation: Both nations collaborate in defence technology and equipment, including joint development projects, technology transfer, and procurement of defence systems. Maritime Security: Cooperation extends to maritime security, with joint efforts to combat piracy, ensure freedom of navigation, and uphold maritime law and order. Defence Trade: India and Japan engage in defence trade, with Japan supplying defence equipment and technology to India and exploring opportunities for joint production and co-development. Quad Cooperation: Both countries are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), along with the United States and Australia, aimed at promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Strategic Cooperation: India and Japan share concerns about China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, leading to closer strategic cooperation in defence and security affairs.

PYQ: ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present Smes – Discuss. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2020)

Practice Question:  How does the India-Japan defence cooperation contribute to regional security in the Indo-Pacific? Discuss the key elements and significance of this partnership. (150 Words /10 marks)

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2024261 )