India and Japan inked a number of pacts in key areas of defence and nuclear energy as well as building of the first bullet train network between Mumbai and Ahmedabad at a cost of about £9.8 billion. The deals were signed after the summit meet between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. They also discussed international and regional issues of mutual importance, including UN security reforms.
Addressing a joint press meet with Abe, Modi said, “No friend will matter more in realising India's economic dreams than Japan,” and described Abe as “a personal friend and a great champion of India-Japan partnership.” In reference to the pacts, he continued, “No less historic is the decision to introduce high speed rail on Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector through Shinkansen known for speed, reliability, safety,” noting that the Japanese PM's extraordinary package of approximately USD 12 billion and technical assistance, on very easy terms, were really appreciated.
“The memorandum we signed on civil nuclear energy cooperation is more than just an agreement for commerce and clean energy. It is a shining symbol of a new level of mutual confidence and strategic partnership in the cause of a peaceful and secure world.” The bullet train network will link India's financial hub with Ahmedabad, cutting travel time on the 505 kilometre route from eight hours to around three.
Both the sides also inked agreements concerning the transfer of defence equipment and technology and another related to security measures for protection of classified military information. Calling the defence pacts “decisive steps in our security cooperation,” Modi said they would deepen the defence relations and promote defence manufacturing in India. “This builds on our decision to expand staff talks to all three wings of the Armed Forces and make Japan a partner in Malabar naval exercises.” The two leaders also issued a joint statement on 'India and Japan Vision 2025: Special Strategic and Global Partnership Working Together for Peace and Prosperity of the Indo-Pacific Region and the World'.
The statement said both the leaders welcomed the agreement reached between the two governments for cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy and confirmed that this agreement will be signed after the technical details are finalised including those relating to necessary internal procedures. Abe said, “We have taken relationship to new level and buds have turned into blossoms.” Modi said the two countries will work together in East Asia Summit to promote an inclusive, balanced and open regional architecture and maritime security in the region. “We stand strongly for ensuring freedom of navigation and over-flight, and unimpeded maritime commerce. We believe that disputes must be resolved peacefully and that all countries must abide by international law and norms on maritime issues.” He also thanked Abe for his support for India's membership of the APEC, and said that India will also strive for “our rightful place in a reformed UN Security Council”.
According to the joint statement, the two Prime Ministers underlined the need for closer coordination and effective communication, bilaterally and with partners, to address existing and emerging challenges in spheres of security, stability and sustainable development. “India and Japan will work to strengthen regional economic and security forums and coordinate their actions to tackle global challenges including the reform of the United Nations, climate change as well as terrorism,” it said. In international issues, they discussed North Korea's contentious nuclear programme and expressed concern over that country's continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, including its uranium enrichment activities. “They urged North Korea to fully comply with its international obligations, including under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and to take actions towards the denuclearising of the Korean Peninsula. They also urged North Korea to address at the earliest the abductions issue,” the statement said.
Japan also created another $12 billion fund for Japanese companies to manufacture in India, as envisaged by Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. It has also pledged $5 billion as part of its Overseas Development Assistance to India. India, in turn, announced visa-on-arrival for Japanese citizens. Modi announced for the first time that Japan will import Maruti cars manufactured in India. “Maruti (Suzuki) will manufacture here... The Japanese company will manufacture here and export it to Japan,” he said, adding that both India and Japan “should move ahead together”, not just in the sphere of high-speed trains, but also for “high-speed growth”.
