On Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Day in 2023, Admiral Karambir Singh, the former Chief of the Naval Staff and Chairman of the National Maritime Foundation, received the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star from Ambassador Suzuki Hiroshi in a ceremony held in New Delhi. This esteemed decoration recognised Admiral Singh’s exceptional dedication to strengthening the collaborative efforts between India and Japan in the realm of national defense.
Ambassador Suzuki Hiroshi, in acknowledging the dynamic development of Japan-India security relations, particularly in the context of achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific region, praised Admiral Singh’s significant contributions. The Admiral played a crucial role in improving interoperability between the two nations and enhancing the capabilities of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, contributing to maritime security.
During his address, Ambassador Suzuki shared insights into the vision of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, emphasizing the fundamental values shared by Japan and India—freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Prime Minister Abe firmly believed that these nations should take a leading role in preserving peace and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region and the world.
According to Ambassador Suzuki, Prime Minister Abe envisioned the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean remaining open and free—free for navigation, free for overflight, and free for commerce. This expansive region, in Abe’s vision, was to be the bedrock for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the entire world.
The ambassador recounted the historical significance of Prime Minister Abe’s 2007 address in the Indian Parliament titled “Confluence of the Two Seas” and the official launch of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision in 2016 in Nairobi during a major international conference for African development (TICAD).
Despite the unfortunate absence of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Ambassador Suzuki expressed optimism, stating that his vision lives on. Admiral Singh, through his substantial contributions, played a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Abe’s vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, bringing it closer to reality. As India and Japan continue to build and strengthen their defense ties, the commitment to shared values and the vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region remains unwavering.