The India-Japan strategic partnership has been growing from strength-to-strength. There is palpable camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Policymakers on both sides are optimistic about the bilateral relationship and its capacity to impact Asian geopolitics to mutual advantage. The progress made thus far does not belie the faith that both leaders have reposed in the relationship. However, it should be noted that the bilateral relationship is progressing in spite of inherent constraints imposed by institutional frameworks and strategic culture. The next quantum leap in the relationship will be contingent on overcoming such constraints.
