Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Strengthening old ties” (August 20). Do India and Japan really share the same security concernsIJ On the one hand, national defence issues have been a priority. On the other, Japan wants to drag in as many international actors as possible, so that Tokyo is not left alone in the search of extended stability in East Asia, especially in the disputed territories in the East and South China Sea. In short, what Tokyo calls “active contributions to peace” looks like a smart way to share the risks and costs of improvement of its own security and defence architecture with old and new allies.
Unlike what the official statements claim, even if the mutual benefits justify the establishment of security cooperation, no real strategic partnership has been launched between India and Japan.