World
Japan’s Kishida Highlights Security Challenges and Indo‑Pacific Cooperation
Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told The Hindu that Japan is facing the most severe and complex security environment since World War II. He said the country is strengthening its defence capabilities while keeping the U.S. alliance as its cornerstone and expanding cooperation with like‑minded partners in the Indo‑Pacific, including continuing the Malabar exercises with India. Kishida added that China’s activities in the South China Sea heighten regional tensions and that Japan supports the rule of law at sea and opposes unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.
Kishida, who is now Chairman of the Japan‑India Association, described India as an irreplaceable partner and said Delhi‑Tokyo cooperation is indispensable for a free and open Indo‑Pacific (FOIP). He recalled his 2023 visit to India and highlighted progress in bilateral relations, particularly Japan’s plans to improve connectivity across South and Southeast Asia, linking India’s northeastern states with the Bay of Bengal. He cited the 2023 FOIP plan’s Industrial Value Chain concept as a key initiative and noted Japan’s development cooperation in the northeast with road connectivity, forest and biodiversity conservation, water and sanitation, healthcare, and agriculture.
He stressed that the Quad—Australia, Japan, India, and the United States—remains strong and called attention to large‑scale land reclamation and militarisation in disputed South China Sea areas. Kishida said the situation is a legitimate concern for the international community because it directly affects regional peace and stability.
Addressing South Asian challenges, Kishida urged the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, the safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced persons, and the immediate cessation of violence, release of detainees including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and implementation of ASEAN’s Five‑Point Consensus. The Q&A was facilitated by the Foreign Press Center Japan after a symposium in Tokyo. Published – October 09, 2026 01:38 am IST
Frequently asked questions
What security environment did Kishida describe for Japan?
He said Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment since World War II.
Which Indo‑Pacific exercises does Japan continue with India?
The Malabar exercises.
What is Japan's stance on China's activities in the South China Sea?
Japan supports the rule of law at sea and opposes unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.