Asia Geopolitics: Power Competition and Security Rivalry
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YOUTUBE2026-10-14the international institute for strategic studies
Japan’s nuclear policy in a changing East Asia
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Japan’s nuclear policy in a changing East Asia
Japan's nuclear policy is being shaped by a rapidly changing nuclear environment in East Asia, particularly due to China's significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal. The overall security situation in the region is det…
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PART 01
Japan's nuclear policy is increasingly shaped by a rapidly changing nuclear environment in East Asia, particularly due to China's significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal. The overall security situation in the region is deteriorating, influenced by the collapse of key arms control treaties and modernization efforts among nuclear-armed states. This context raises critical questions about Japan's strategic calculations and its historical commitment to non-nuclear principles.
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PART 02
China's nuclear arsenal is expanding at an alarming rate, with estimates suggesting an increase from around 620 warheads in 2020 to potentially 1,000 by 2030. Concurrently, North Korea's advancements in missile capabilities pose an immediate threat to Japan, leading to heightened public support in South Korea for acquiring its own nuclear weapons. This shift in public sentiment reflects growing security concerns in the region.
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PART 03
The Japanese government, under Prime Minister Takaiji Sanei, is reassessing its nuclear policy amidst these regional threats. While there is a cautious approach towards amending the three non-nuclear principles, the government is prioritizing the enhancement of conventional defense capabilities and the integration of emerging technologies. This reflects a desire for a robust security architecture rather than an immediate shift towards nuclear armament.
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PART 04
Japan's commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation remains strong, as it acts as a guardian of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, the deteriorating global security landscape complicates these efforts, making discussions on disarmament appear increasingly unrealistic. The reliance on U.S. extended deterrence continues to be a cornerstone of Japan's security strategy, although confidence in U.S. commitments is being questioned.
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PART 05
The complexities of nuclear risk reduction are underscored by the need to address emerging technologies that could impact decision-making. Despite improving U.S.-China relations, significant issues regarding nuclear policy may only be addressed in the wake of a crisis. The evolving security environment necessitates a collaborative approach among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea to bolster deterrence capabilities.
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YOUTUBE2026-10-14observer research foundation
"From Ideas to Action": Shantanu Thakur on India’s Next Maritime Leap | Sagarmanthan 2026
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"From Ideas to Action": Shantanu Thakur on India’s Next Maritime Leap | Sagarmanthan 2026
Shri Shantanu Thakur discusses the importance of a robust maritime sector for enhancing India's economic competitiveness and connecting various sectors to global markets. He emphasizes the need for advancements in infras…
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PART 01
Shri Shantanu Thakur articulates a vision for India's maritime sector, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing economic competitiveness and connecting various sectors to global markets. He outlines the necessity for advancements in infrastructure, technology, and skills to fulfill the Prime Minister's vision of utilizing oceans as a source of shared prosperity.
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PART 02
The address underscores significant progress in India's port, shipping, inland waterways, and maritime infrastructure. However, it also highlights the need for further advancements, particularly in technology and the development of greener ships, to keep pace with global standards and environmental considerations.
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PART 03
Thakur stresses the importance of collaboration with both national and international partners to unlock maritime opportunities. This collaborative approach is seen as essential for realizing the potential of the maritime sector in contributing to India's economic growth.
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PART 04
Training and skill development are prioritized in the strategy, recognizing that the maritime sector will undergo significant changes due to energy transitions and technological advancements. This focus aims to prepare the workforce for future challenges and opportunities.
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PART 05
The call to action emphasizes the transformation of ideas into concrete initiatives, particularly through the Shagarmala initiative, which seeks to foster innovation and collaboration in the maritime domain. This initiative is positioned as a key driver for enhancing India's maritime capabilities.
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YOUTUBE2026-10-14observer research foundation
$800 Billion Blueprint: India’s Maritime Strategy Revealed
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$800 Billion Blueprint: India’s Maritime Strategy Revealed
India's maritime strategy aims to quadruple port capacity from 2,500 million tons per annum to 10,000 million tons by 2047, requiring an investment of approximately $800 billion. The strategy emphasizes enhancing port au…
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PART 01
India's maritime strategy, guided by the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aims to significantly enhance its port capacity and sustainability by 2047, necessitating an investment of approximately $800 billion. This ambitious plan seeks to quadruple port capacity from 2,500 million tons per annum to 10,000 million tons, with a focus on automation and public-private partnerships to handle nearly all cargo by that time.
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PART 02
The strategy emphasizes environmental sustainability, targeting 60% renewable energy usage in ports by 2030 and nearly 100% by 2047. Current achievements indicate that 30% of energy consumption in ports is already green, showcasing progress towards these goals. Additionally, India is operationalizing inland waterways and establishing hydrogen hubs to support economic growth and environmental objectives.
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PART 03
India has made notable strides in shipbuilding and recycling, achieving a 40% increase in shipbuilding output over the past year and commanding a 35% market share in ship recycling. The government is also aggregating demand from over 400 cargo movers to create a visible order book, with plans to float tenders for 60 new ships, indicating a proactive approach to expanding its maritime fleet.
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PART 04
The strategy includes transforming Indian ports into transshipment hubs, currently handling 75% of transshipment abroad. This transformation is supported by a 45% increase in transshipment from India's West Coast to East Africa and the Gulf, reflecting India's strategic autonomy in global trade. Furthermore, India is establishing digital trade corridors and pursuing international partnerships to bolster economic growth.
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PART 05
India's collaboration with Germany to establish a maritime museum and the inauguration of a national maritime high-tech complex in Lothal highlight its commitment to maritime heritage and international cooperation. The signing of 13 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) for cultural exchanges with plans to expand to 40 countries further illustrates India's comprehensive approach to maritime collaboration.
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