Critical infrastructure is the physical and cyber assets crucial for the entire economy’s viability. Their decapitation will automatically cause adverse impacts on health, economic security, and safety. In short, the critical infrastructure houses what is critical to the country. India has been on an upward trend when it comes to the digital world. Japan is a world-renowned country who tops the world when it comes to anything technology related. Hence, both the countries decided it best to sign a landmark pact. This pact will strengthen the cyber-security of both countries.
The landmark pact will boost critical infrastructure
The main motive of the landmark pact is to strengthen and enhance the area of critical infrastructure. This will, in turn, save the country from cyber-attacks from China. The straining ties between the two countries, amidst the Line of Actual control standoff, have caused a lot of violation internally as well. The TikTok banning decision also bittered the situation. In the wake of technology as the new ammunition, India felt it right to strengthen itself on that front too. Consequently, this pact will enhance cooperation in 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and critical information infrastructure.
Just concluded India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with FM @moteging. Conveyed warm birthday greetings. Discussions covered our cooperation in manufacturing, skills, infrastructure, ICT and health. Our special partnership can make a big difference in post-COVID recovery. pic.twitter.com/lm1tjhOzPG
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 7, 2020
The foreign ministers of India and Japan met in Tokyo, Japan, and confirmed on Wednesday, October 7, that both sides have signed the pact. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met up with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, at the Likuru Guest house. The pact has the approval of Indian PM Narendra Modi. Other than the critical infrastructure strengthening, Japan will also act as the lead partner in the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative.
More and more countries join their hands in boycotting Chinese companies and ties
Other than India and now Japan, the US has shown its hostile behavior with the Chinese telecommunications as well. The banning of Huawei to roll out 5G in the country is an example. Washington has been pretty intent at suggesting to not join hands with any Chinese company. Furthermore, the QUAD Ministerial meet is also in practice currently, where the US, Japan, India, and Australia are debating the current issues.
According to the statement issued on the critical infrastructure pact, India and Japan commit to providing an open, free, secure, and reliable cyberspace environment. The Japan Foreign Ministry also is concerned with the North Korean state. It noted that S Jaishankar expressed his support in resolving the issues of abduction. The emphasis of Indo-Pacific countries is on “free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region to be diversified and have resilient supply chains.”
