Japan-India Relations
Japan-India Summit Meeting
October 29, 2018
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
On Monday, October 29, from 6:10 p.m. to 7:20 p.m., Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-India Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. The overview of the meeting is as follows. After the meeting, the two leaders signed a Japan-India Vision Statement(PDF)
(Fact Sheet(PDF)).
(Fact Sheet(PDF)).
- 1 Beginning
- 2 Security
- 3 Economic cooperation, high-speed rail
- 4 Economic relations
- 5 People-to-people exchanges
- 6 Global challenges
1 Beginning
Prime Minister Abe stated that the annual reciprocal visits are the driving force of the rapidly-advancing Japan-India relationship, expressed the view that a strong India benefits Japan and a strong Japan benefits India, and explained that the Japan-India relationship is blessed with the greatest potential for development of any bilateral relationship in the world. Prime Minister Abe explained that together with Prime Minister Modi, he hopes to ensure that this bilateral relationship produces results on all fronts and contributes to the peace and prosperity of the region and the world.
In response, Prime Minister Modi explained that he was inspired by the Japanese side's welcome, stated that he will never forget being invited to Prime Minister Abe's country house, and expressed the view that a strong India and strong Japan will be able to fulfill roles for Asia and for the world. Prime Minister Modi stated that he hopes to broaden the historical bilateral relationship into new areas and strengthen exchanges.
In response, Prime Minister Modi explained that he was inspired by the Japanese side's welcome, stated that he will never forget being invited to Prime Minister Abe's country house, and expressed the view that a strong India and strong Japan will be able to fulfill roles for Asia and for the world. Prime Minister Modi stated that he hopes to broaden the historical bilateral relationship into new areas and strengthen exchanges.
2 Security
Prime Minister Abe welcomed the launching of a "2 + 2" Ministerial Meeting, and explained that Japan and India will move forward with cooperative projects in Bangladesh and elsewhere in order to increase regional connectivity. Prime Minister Abe welcomed the steady progress being made with cooperation, including the commencement of negotiations on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), the creation of an implementing arrangement for deeper cooperation between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy, the strengthening of exchanges among all the armed forces, and the establishment of a Japan-India Space Dialogue.
Prime Minister Modi stated that cooperation in the security field is progressing, appreciated the launching of "2 + 2" Ministerial Meeting and progress with cooperation among the armed forces, and expressed the view that maritime and space cooperation will be important in the future, while mentioning the commencement of the ACSA negotiations, the Japan-India Space Dialogue, and defense equipment cooperation.
The two leaders shared the view that the two countries will continue to discuss US-2 amphibian aircraft.
Prime Minister Modi stated that cooperation in the security field is progressing, appreciated the launching of "2 + 2" Ministerial Meeting and progress with cooperation among the armed forces, and expressed the view that maritime and space cooperation will be important in the future, while mentioning the commencement of the ACSA negotiations, the Japan-India Space Dialogue, and defense equipment cooperation.
The two leaders shared the view that the two countries will continue to discuss US-2 amphibian aircraft.
3 Economic cooperation, high-speed rail
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Prime Minister Abe welcomed the steady progress with high-speed rail, including a new yen loan, stated that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) technical cooperation is currently being implemented in order to contribute to rail safety on India's existing lines, and explained that Japan has decided on seven yen loans, including for the construction of a bridge in India's North Eastern region that will contribute to high-speed rail and stronger connectivity.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed progress with the high-speed rail project, and expressed gratitude for Japan's cooperation. Prime Minister Modi explained that India's citizens highly appreciate and are grateful for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA), including yen loans.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed progress with the high-speed rail project, and expressed gratitude for Japan's cooperation. Prime Minister Modi explained that India's citizens highly appreciate and are grateful for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA), including yen loans.
4 Economic relations
Prime Minister Abe mentioned the agreement to conclude a Bilateral Swap Agreement, and explained that he intends to move ahead with promoting start-ups and exchanges of IT personnel under the Japan-India Digital Partnership, coordinating the India longevity plan and Japan's Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative, cooperating in the field of agriculture including food processing, opening new Japan-India Institutes for Manufacturing (JIMs), promoting investment through the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), and cooperating in the energy field including the agreement of the Japan-India Energy Transition Cooperation Plan.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed that Japanese companies are investing and setting up businesses in India, and are contributing to 'Make in India', and he explained that India is attaching importance to cooperation with Japan in the fields of IT, energy, health and agriculture, and intends to realize cooperation.
With regard to Japan-India civil nuclear cooperation, the two leaders shared the view that discussions will continue to be held in a working group, based on agreement last year.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed that Japanese companies are investing and setting up businesses in India, and are contributing to 'Make in India', and he explained that India is attaching importance to cooperation with Japan in the fields of IT, energy, health and agriculture, and intends to realize cooperation.
With regard to Japan-India civil nuclear cooperation, the two leaders shared the view that discussions will continue to be held in a working group, based on agreement last year.
5 People-to-people exchanges
Prime Minister Abe stated that he hoped to fundamentally expand people-to-people exchanges in the fields of tourism, business and sports and between experts, regional governments and Diet members among others in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, and noted that Japan has decided to further ease visa requirements for nationals of India from January next year. Prime Minister Abe expressed gratitude for cooperation with setting up the Japanese Language Teachers' Training Center in Delhi, and explained that he hopes to continue to secure Prime Minister Modi's cooperation towards popularizing the Japanese language.
Prime Minister Modi expressed approval for expanding people-to-people exchanges, and welcomed the easing of visa requirements.
Prime Minister Modi expressed approval for expanding people-to-people exchanges, and welcomed the easing of visa requirements.
6 Global challenges
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
(1) International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan has decided to accept the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) led by India and hopes to coordinate more closely on strengthening international efforts for energy transitions and decarbonization. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Japan's acceptance of the framework agreement.(2) United Nations (UN) reform
The two leaders shared the view to accelerate the G4's efforts to achieve concrete progress with UN Security Council (UNSC) reform.(3) Disarmament and nonproliferation
Prime Minister Abe expressed the view that Japan and India share the goal of realizing a world without nuclear weapons, and explained that Japan attaches importance to the universalization of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and the prompt entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and intends to continue to hold dialogue.Prime Minister Modi acknowledged that aiming for a world without nuclear weapons is a common goal.
(4) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), World Trade Organization (WTO)
Prime Minister Abe stated that amid mounting concerns about protectionism, he will have Mr. Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation of India, work solidly in order to realize a substantial conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations this year by the 16 countries including India, towards the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that WTO reform is important in order to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trading system.Prime Minister Modi stated that he also intends to cooperate well on the RCEP.