BASIC With Nicholas Szechenyi
MUMBAI, 16 July, 2015 — Asia Society India Centre welcomed Nicholas Szechenyi, Deputy Director of the Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, as part of its Breakfast at the Asia Society India Centre (BASIC) series. Mr. Szechenyi engaged in a lively and comprehensive dialogue on the current state of Japan as a player in world affairs and its importance to India and Asia, especially in economic, diplomatic, and security terms.
After a long period of economic stagnation, Japan under Prime Minister Abe is in a period of revitalization and reform, and is shaping up its foreign policy to strengthen ties with the US and Southeast Asia. While facing domestic challenges such as an ageing population and diminishing business interests, Japan’s commitment to reform means it is still a leader in Asian and Pacific affairs. India and Japan should strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties, as they share common values and could lead the rest of the region toward a peaceful alignment. As many questioned the “threat” of China, Mr. Szechenyi said that Japan, India, and the US “can and should shape China’s choices” to reduce the threat of security risks in the region. This programme was part of our BASIC (Breakfast at Asia Society India Centre) Series, which brings eminent speakers from the fields of Asian business, arts, culture and policy to Asia Society Members and Patrons, and provides a senior-level platform for discussion on issues of current interest affecting Asia and the world.
Reported by Brigid Connell, Programme Assistant Intern, Asia Society India Centre
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