The Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA), in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, New Delhi (JF), convened a closed-door roundtable discussion on 11th March 2026 at the India International Centre (IIC). The theme of the roundtable was focused on “Is the Rules-Based Order Still Alive? India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific". Moderated by ORCA's Director Ms. Eerishika Pankaj, with lead discussants Dr. Jagannath Panda and Prof. Haruko Satoh, the event brought together 10 esteemed India-Japan experts to examine the evolving rules-based order and how India and Japan can strengthen their leadership roles in the Indo-Pacific.
The participants explored how intensifying geopolitical competition, particularly amid shifting global power dynamics and growing strategic contestation, has raised questions about the sustainability of the existing international order. The discussion further examined how the Indo-Pacific has emerged as both a strategic and normative framework.
Furthermore, the discussants highlighted the strategic convergence between India and Japan across key aspects, including maritime security, technological cooperation, critical minerals and resilient supply chains, noting the potential of these partnerships to strengthen regional stability and uphold international norms. Overall, the event reflected the need for continued dialogue and collaboration among Indo-Pacific partners to adapt and sustain a rules-based order in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
