Japan-India Relations

Prime Minister Abe explained that India is an important partner which shares values and strategic interests with Japan, and he stated that he would like to further strengthen the "Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership," toward greater stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for this lunch meeting, welcomed that cooperation between Japan and India is expanding at a rapid pace, and stated that he awaits Prime Minister Abe’s next visit to India. Prime Minister Abe replied that if circumstances permit he hopes to visit India next month.

(1) Prime Minister Abe explained that he is aiming to elevate security cooperation between Japan and India to a higher level and cooperation in the field of maritime security, including freedom of navigation, is important. He stated that the participation of a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel in the "Malabar" joint maritime exercise led by the U.S. and India produced major results, and Japan also attaches importance to the exercise and hopes to participate in the exercise on a regular basis hereafter. Prime Minister Abe also stated that he hopes to advance trilateral cooperation, such as among Japan, the U.S. and India.
In response, Prime Minister Modi hiped that based on the same recognition, the Malabar exercise will be carried out with participation from Japan on a regular basis.

(2) In addition, with regard to Prime Minister Abe’s probable visit to India, the two leaders also exchanged views on efforts for investment promotion, economic cooperation and strengthening regional connectivity.

Prime Minister Abe conveyed his concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and elsewhere, and expressed that the international community’s cooperation is important to preserve open, free and peaceful seas. Prime Minister Abe requested India’s cooperation on North Korea’s development of nuclear and missile, and India’s understanding and cooperation on the abductions issue.

In response, Prime Minister Modi shared Prime Minister Abe’s concerns about the South China Sea, and Prime Minister Modi explained that India expresses its views at venues such as international organizations. Prime Minister Modi stated that India also wishes to cooperate on compliance with the rules of the seas. In regard to North Korea also, Prime Minister Modi expressed understanding for Prime Minister Abe’s concerns and explained that India expresses its views at international organizations in Geneva and elsewhere.

Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Modi shared the view that both Japan and India share universal values such as Buddhist traditions and democracy, and cooperation between the two countries, which possess an attitude of tolerance, will contribute to regional peace and stability.