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the strategic Pursuit of a free and open indo-pacific has led to an alignment of interests among a network of democracies in various bilateral, trilateral and mini-lateral formations. india is an important variable in the geopolitical churning that is influencing the indo-pacific discourse both in Washington and tokyo. Despite apparent asymmetry in their comprehensive national power, all three are committed to securing a stable rules-based order in the indo-pacific.

the us, Japan and india have articulated their respective visions for the indo-pacific. With elevated 2+2 and ministerial-level us-japan-india discussions, they have co-ordinated their forward thinking while navigating the risks and opportunities that this maritime super-region presents. however, as they work together, it is important to note the ambiguities and subtle gaps in each stakeholder’s interpretation of the indo-pacific as they tap into common strategic interests.

Minding the gaps

First, as sino-us strategic competition intensifies amid Chinese attempts to achieve equity in international affairs with alternative ideas, institutions and infrastructure, Washington and tokyo have substantially aligned their posture on the indopacific. the primary objective is securing the usled liberal international order. Japan envisions its role as a “stabilizer for the us-led system.” For

1 China, the us-led order is fundamentally flawed,2 since American liberalism is inclined to export the values of democracy and human rights in the political realm while the hub-and-spoke bilateral alliance system in the security realm reflects a