India, Japan reaffirm commitment to Indo-Pacific amid US dropping

In a powerful demonstration of strategic solidarity, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi strongly reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The declaration, made during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit on Thursday, comes amid growing regional questions surrounding the United States' decision to drop the word "Indo" from the name of its Pacific Command. Rather than mirroring Washington's shifting terminology, New Delhi and Tokyo doubled down on their shared geopolitical nomenclature, agreeing to deepen cooperation under the Quad and align Japan…