PH-Japan-India cooperation urged to boost Indo-Pacific stability

Source: Inquirer
Author: Adrian Parungao

MANILA, Philippines -- Geopolitical experts and envoys have proposed a triangular cooperation among Philippines, Japan, and India, for the advancement of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

According to Ambassador of India to the Philippines Shambu Kumaran, the three countries should work together in the aspect of maritime domains and security.

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"Maritime security will be an area of focus and I think we should look at what we can do, the three of us, and multiply what we are each doing bilaterally with each other," Kumaran said.

The expert made the statement at a conference named "Bridging Borders: Triangular Cooperation for Regional Prosperity between the Philippines, India, and Japan" organized by think tank Stratbase Institute with the Japan Foundation Manila.

Stockholm Center for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs Head Jagannath Panda added that a trilateral cooperation can also promote freedom of navigation in the region.

"The freedom of navigation should be maintained, as well as we should also be able to protect the commercial interest of the countries. I think that's critical. Today we are talking about supply chains and networks," Panda said.

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Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Embassy to the Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission Kenichi Matsuda have also expressed optimism to the proposal.

"A Philippines-India-Japan triangular cooperation presents enormous opportunities for these countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region, not only on the prospect of new 'strategic partnerships' and security architecture but also and most importantly in the field of the economic and development ventures where its ripple effects are directly felt by the people," Lazaro said.

"Guided by the spirit of co-creation, a triangular partnership between the Philippines, India and Japan can bring about a nexus of sustainable and collaborative efforts that may shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region in the coming years," Matsuda said.

Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit added that perseverance will help achieve peace and stability in the region.

"It is through persevering in this work together that we can achieve the peace and stability that we desire within our borders and across the region," he said.