The Bay of Bengal sits at the heart of Japan’s economic lifelines, carrying energy flows and strategic interests across the Indo-Pacific. But in Tokyo’s policy discourse, it barely registers as a distinct geopolitical space. Even as China deepens its presence and regional partnerships evolve, Japan’s approach remains understated. Why does such a crucial space remain conceptually absent from Tokyo’s strategic thinking?
For Tokyo, the Bay of Bengal is not just the entry point to the Indian Ocean; its strategic importance is undeniable for Japanese policy elites. It is located along the main Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) to the Middle East, and most oil tankers transit through the Strait of Malacca to reach the Pacific Ocean. Instability in the region would pose a direct threat to Japan’s economy, and Tokyo strongly supports the region’s connectivity projects in the hope of facilitating stability through economic growth. The increased Chinese presence in the region, including naval and submarine activities as well as port building at Hambantota, Sri Lanka, has also attracted the attention of policymakers in Tokyo. It is no surprise then that Japan is one of the major donors and investors in the region, and is facilitating maritime security cooperation with regional partners like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka for it to remain free and open.