Japan’s Royal Couple Embarks on Goodwill Trip to India

Japan’s royal couple, Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko arrived Saturday in New Delhi on their first ever official visit to India.

The trip is seen to enhance the friendly alliance between the two countries. The 79-year-old Emperor Akihito first traveled to India as a crown prince with his wife in 1960. This is the first time that India is visited by a Japanese emperor. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomed the visiting couple at the New Delhi airport tarmac. According to the Indian foreign ministry, the government will accord supreme importance to the Emperor and Empress to make their trip a memorable one.

Diplomatic relations

Before boarding at the Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, the emperor said: “I hope our visit will contribute to further enhancing the understanding and friendship between the two countries which marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year.” The imperial couple’s visit to India will last for a week during which they will formally meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other leading officials in New Delhi. After the meeting, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will fly south to Chennai City.

Significant visit

The Japanese emperor enjoys a symbolic title but has no political powers in governing the country. However his visit to any country is regarded as noteworthy and significant in forging friendly ties to the host nation. According to Shambhu Kumaran, East Asia affairs director, India is very honored that it is able to receive the goodwill gesture from Japan. Diplomats from the Japanese side expressed belief that the trip of their emperor to India reflects a solid relationship between the two countries that has been established for the last several years.

Congruent views

A published opinion article in a major publication in India states that Delhi and Tokyo have congruent views on many economic issues. They also share cooperative ties in a number of infrastructure projects that are important for India’s development. From the visit of Japan’s royal couple, the two nations will hopefully join hands to promote mutual interests and forge an understanding in sensitive points such as maritime security.

China’s increasing influence

The article further pointed out the role of Indian-Japan alliance behind China’s increasing influence and presence in the region. This is in the wake of tensions in the area after Beijing revealed last week that it has built a new air defense one in the East China Sea. The air defense identification zone covers the island of Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. These territories are being protested by Japan, China and Taiwan. From the viewpoint of Indian newspaper Deccan Herald however, Delhi must maintain a diplomatic stance and not get involved in regional conflicts. The paper stated: “While concerns over China are understandable, Delhi must avoid being seen to be part of anti-China groupings a an insecure China is not in India’s long-term security interests.”

Enhanced bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also paid a visit to Japan in May. In the said visit, the two countries agreed to continue enhancing their bilateral cooperation. Japan’s imperial couple will grace several official engagements and private assignations during their stay in India.

Photo Credit: Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan