Japan-India Relations
Japan-India Summit Telephone Talk
On April 10, commencing at around 2:15 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. ABE Shinzo, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. The overview of the talk is as follows.
1. Prime Minister Modi explained India’s efforts regarding novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In response, Prime Minister Abe expressed his respect for Prime Minister Modi for demonstrating leadership in the South Asian region, such as by hosting a summit video conference for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and establishing emergency funds.
2. Prime Minister Abe explained the measures in Japan in response to COVID-19 while expressing gratitude for the Indian government’s assistance with the departure of Japanese nationals from India, and asked for their continued cooperation. In response, Prime Minister Modi thanked the Japanese government for the assistance they provided to the Indian passengers and crew from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, and stated that his government would continue assisting Japanese nationals residing in India.
3. Both Prime Ministers shared the view to continue maintaining close collaboration and cooperation between Japan and India in the future in order to end the current international pandemic and further deepen Japan-India relations in the world after the COVID-19 outbreak has ceased.
[Reference] SAARC
A relatively loose-knit regional cooperation framework in South Asia. Their objectives include promoting welfare, social and economic development, as well as the encouragement of cultural collaboration and cooperation among South Asian citizens. There are eight member nations: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan.
