Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has put forward a compelling vision for enhanced cooperation among Indo-Pacific nations, centred on the Japanese concept of 'IKIGAI'. He presented this framework during a major international defence summit held virtually.
Addressing Global Military Leaders
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), delivered his address at the 3rd Land Forces Summit on December 18, 2025. The high-profile event was hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The summit saw participation from the top military brass of several key nations, reflecting its strategic importance.
The virtual gathering was attended by the Chiefs and senior military leadership from a coalition of nations, including:
- Australia
- Japan
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- United States of America
The Core Proposal: The IKIGAI Framework
In his significant address, General Dwivedi pitched for the adoption of the 'IKIGAI' framework as a guiding principle for nations in the Indo-Pacific region. IKIGAI, a Japanese term often translated as 'a reason for being', combines what one loves, what one is good at, what the world needs, and what one can be paid for.
The Army Chief suggested that this holistic philosophy could be effectively applied to international relations and regional security architectures. By finding the intersection of national interests, capabilities, regional needs, and mutual benefits, countries can achieve sustainable peace and shared prosperity.
Strategic Implications for Regional Stability
General Dwivedi's proposition comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific region is a focal point of global geopolitics. Advocating for a framework rooted in purpose and mutual benefit signals a move towards collaborative and principled security partnerships.
This call for a shared 'reason for being' among nations underscores India's commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. It aligns with broader diplomatic efforts to ensure stability through dialogue and common purpose, rather than through confrontation.
The endorsement of such a concept at a summit hosted by Japan, and attended by Quad partners (the US, Japan, Australia) and ASEAN nations (Philippines, Malaysia), highlights its potential as a unifying doctrine for diverse stakeholders in the region.
