Kolkata, Aug. 26 -- For decades, as Japan's global economic power declined, largely due to internal problems, the rise of China, rejuvenation in Europe and the emergence of the US as a unipolar leader, it followed a twin strategy. It batted for a multipolar world, even as it tied its security ropes with America. Overall, Japan was closer to the US despite attempts to strengthen multilateral institutions. Things have changed in the past few years, forcing Japan to reassess its overall vision.

Surprisingly, India finds itself in a similar situation. Despite keeping its options open, the nation inched closer to the US in the recent past. But events in the past few months have shattered the bonhomie, including the one that Prime Minister Nar...