August 29, 2025, Friday, marked a significant day in global politics, impacting the years to come. Decisions made from now till September 2 will shape global strategies around tariffs and international relations. It questions how India balances its relations with Japan, China, and the USA? What new agreements emerge among Russia, India, and China at the SCO platform? Will warmth enter India-China relations? As PM Modi and China's President Xi meet, will joining China's trade block be India's response to the USA? Does the SCO Summit shift pressure on America, foreseeing a new direction under future American leadership?
Until now, President Trump's decisions seemed centered around enforcing acceptance of American dictates worldwide. His stern stance against opposition suggested a unilateral global order. However, this dominance gets challenged now. A Russia-India-China triangular dynamic appears, with India wisely balancing strategies, neither bowing to the USA's 50% tariffs nor entirely siding with Russia and China—a diplomatic balancing act.
On the seventh year, Prime Minister Modi returns for the SCO Summit in China but prefaced by a Japan tour. Despite Indo-Pacific security concerns fueling tension in Japan-China relations, Modi's visit to Japan before China showcases strategic balancing.
Strengthening India's Global Role
India makes autonomous decisions, fortifying relationships worldwide. Balances of diplomacy showcase India's interests above all. Engaging continuously with the USA, Japan, and now an upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit displays India maneuvering global pressures toward a strengthened role in international affairs.
Source: aajtak
Understanding Japan-India Dynamics
- According to the IMF, this year, India's economy surpassed Japan's, making Japan the fifth and India the fourth largest globally. Japan intends to leverage India's rapidly growing economy through a ₹6 lakh crore investment over ten years. Injecting funds into India's economic engine will spur new factories, create numerous jobs, and bolster global trust in India's economic credibility.
- Imagine if you run a business and seek investment. Investments come when trust exists, and confidence flourishes that funds are safe and profitable. India's growing world trust mirrors this dynamic now.
Strengthening Ties in Four Sectors
Japan-India collaborations rise in four sectors: semiconductor chips, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and pharmaceuticals. In 2024-25, India's trade with Japan stood at ₹2.13 lakh crore, including ₹1.59 lakh crore imports from Japan and ₹52,909 crores in exports. The trade deficit was ₹1,03795 crores.
Numerous Agreements Signed
These figures highlight trade alternatives amid American tariff influences. India can channel exports to Japan, while welcoming Japanese industries locally, voiced in PM Modi's joint economic forum with Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba. Several landmark agreements were inked and made public.
Daruma Doll: A Gift of Good Luck
A Japanese temple presented PM Modi with a Daruma Doll, a keepsake based on Bodhidharma, Zen Buddhism's founder, known in Japan as Daruma Daishi. Symbolizing resilience and good fortune, tradition involves painting one eye upon target setting, completing it on success. This keepsake embodies persistence, encouraged by its round base, ensuring it rights itself if tilted. 'Fall seven times, get up eight' perfectly encapsulates its spirit.
