Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
2. In view of the recently announced, Japan’s plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, discuss the geopolitical challenges facing the region, and how will the new initiative help resolve them. (250 Words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida visited India and unveiled “Japan’s New Plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) and exchanged views about deepening the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership”.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about FOIP, challenges in Indo-pacific and FOIP potential in reducing them
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Start the answer by briefly introducing Japan’s plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, its significance, and its objectives.
Body: In the first part, mention the geopolitical challenges facing the region such as territorial disputes, economic competition, security threats, and geopolitical rivalry among major powers.
Next, discuss how Japan’s new initiative can help resolve these challenges by discussing the four pillars of cooperation under the plan, namely, promoting rules-based order, connectivity, sustainable development, and maritime security.
In each of the four pillars, highlight the specific measures and initiatives that Japan plans to undertake and how they will help address the challenges mentioned earlier. Use examples to support your argument.
Also, mention the potential challenges and obstacles that Japan may face while implementing the new initiative, such as resistance from other major powers, economic constraints, and political instability in the region.
Briefly add India’s role in FOIP
Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the key points discussed in the answer and emphasizing the importance of Japan’s new initiative in promoting regional stability, economic prosperity, and security. Also, mention the need for continued cooperation among regional and global powers to address the complex challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region.
