The coalition led by the Liberal Democratic Party under Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan has romped in after a snap poll securing two thirds majority in the lower house of Parliament. Abe has been in the saddle for two consecutive terms but in the recent past his and his party’s position had been under Opposition attack. The massive victory has now consolidated his position and given a firm hold to his mandate. He is further more in a stronger position now to revise Japan’s pacifist Constitution which is a result of its defeat in World War II. What is more significant is that the victory has given a boost to his economic policy and rescued it from a phase of economic stagnation. It is projected that Japan’s growth rate will pick up significantly in the near future. More importantly, Abe has made Japan more dynamic in its foreign policy and elevated Japan’s presence to a more assertive status. The US pulled out some time ago from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement. As a result, Japan has moved in to lead the implementation of the pact. Abe has put up a brave front for some time against China’s territorial aggrandisement policy, especially in the East China Sea. His thumping victory is a vote for his assertive policy in this regard. With his proactive contribution to peace, Japan aims at developing a global security framework which will be in conformity with international rules. Japan’s Constitution has accordingly to be revised to legalise its self defence forces.
If Japan can strengthen its military capability, China’s militarisation will be effectively counteracted. As a result, stability in Asia will be shored up. Tokyo under the new government should have greater strategic depth enabling it to influence important geopolitical issues. Japan’s partnership with major countries in Asia and Africa will receive a powerful impetus. India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has a personal bond with Shinzo Abe which was strengthened during his recent visit to Japan. India-Japan strategic ties can be further firmed up. Japan’s economic assistance to India should go up. The proposed Asia-Africa Growth Corridor will hopefully be facilitated.