India-Japan Missile Test Deal Giving Pakistan Sleepless Nights, Experts Alert China

New Delhi: Japan may use India's test range for testing its long-range Type-25 anti-ship missile (1,000-kilometer range) and drones. A team of Japanese officials recently visited India to assess potential test ranges. No firm deal has been reached yet, but it is drawing global attention. Experts in Pakistan, India's neighbor, are particularly alarmed by this development. They are analyzing its implications for China-Pakistan relations and the entire region.

Pakistani political commentator Qamar Cheema says that providing land and technology to the Japanese military in this manner will anger China. Japan won't just use India's test range. If relations improve, a variety of defense technology will be transferred between the two countries. This development in India is noteworthy. It could also pose challenges for Pakistan in the future.

India is investing a lot of money in the army: Cheema

Kamar Cheema says that India is investing heavily in its military and defense technology. It is also expanding global partnerships. Japan has found it a good option. Japan needs space, which it is finding in India. India will also benefit from this, as an expert country will test its technology on its soil.

Cheema says, "China and Pakistan are also behind the improving relations between India and Japan. The Japanese consistently support India because they believe India can be helpful against China. The Japanese also know that Pakistan is close to China. I believe that China is one of the reasons for Pakistan's poor relations with Japan."

What is Japan's plan?

Japanese media reported that Japan has sent officials to India. Earlier this month, they spent a week inspecting various sites. The officials explored the possibility of using India's missile range to test long-range weapons, including the Type 25 anti-ship missile and small attack drones.

"We are currently considering this issue," said General Masayoshi Arai, chief of staff of the GSDF. This includes how to secure training space within the country and, if necessary, find or use training space abroad. Japan is seeking overseas testing ranges not only for its long-range missiles but also for other weapons.