Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar clarified on Tuesday that India does not support the concept of an “Asian NATO” proposed by Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba. Speaking at an event hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, Jaishankar emphasized India’s unique geopolitical position, stating, “Unlike Japan, India has never been a treaty ally of another country.”
Jaishankar’s remarks came in response to questions regarding Ishiba’s vision for a security alliance in Asia, which aims to strengthen defense ties among countries in the region. He expressed that India does not envision such a “strategic architecture” and highlighted the importance of maintaining its independent foreign policy.
Both India and Japan are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the Quad, which also includes the United States and Australia. This grouping was formed to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region and counterbalance China’s growing influence. Jaishankar noted that while India values its partnerships within the Quad framework, it does not align itself with the concept of a formal military alliance like NATO.
The foreign minister’s comments underscore India’s cautious approach to alliances and its focus on strategic autonomy. India has historically prioritized non-alignment and has sought to build bilateral relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation.
As geopolitical dynamics shift, particularly in the face of China’s assertiveness, India’s stance reflects its commitment to an independent foreign policy that accommodates its national interests while engaging in regional security dialogues. This position distinguishes India from Japan’s more alliance-oriented approach, reinforcing the complexity of security partnerships in Asia.
