
Tokyo [Japan], August 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks in Tokyo and issued a joint statement emphasizing stronger security cooperation and economic ties between the two nations.
“We have set a goal of investment of 10 Trillion Yen from Japan in India in the next 10 years. Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India’s and Japan’s small and medium enterprises and startups,” PM Modi said at a joint press conference following the bilateral talks. He highlighted AI, semiconductors, the environment, and medicine as key focus sectors.
The leaders later met as part of the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, after which both sides exchanged agreements to further deepen cooperation. In addition to the joint statement outlining a roadmap for the next decade, Prime Ministers Modi and Ishiba exchanged two more documents on the Long-Term Vision Document for Bilateral Relations. Modi said the agreements mark the beginning of a new chapter in the India-Japan partnership.
“Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India’s and Japan’s small and medium enterprises and startups. Even in the India-Japan Business Forum, I told Japanese companies, ‘Make in India, Make for the World,’” he said.
Modi added that India and Japan, as two of the largest economies and vibrant democracies, share a partnership vital not only for their nations but also for global peace and security. “Our discussions today were productive as well as purposeful. We agree that as two of the world’s largest economies and living democracies, our partnership is essential not just for our countries but also for global peace and security. Strong democracies are natural partners in shaping a better world. Today, we have laid the foundation of a new and golden chapter in our special strategic and global partnership. We have charted a roadmap for the next decade, with investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges at the center of our vision,” Modi said.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed Modi and his delegation, recalling the cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries. “I would like to welcome Prime Minister Modi and his delegation. Our relationship dates back to the 6th century, when Buddhism was introduced into Japan. We have a long shared relationship culturally and spiritually, and we are able to influence each other,” Ishiba said.
This is Modi’s first visit to Japan since May 2023. He arrived in Tokyo earlier on Friday and received a Guard of Honour. India and Japan had elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership a decade ago.
Prime Minister Modi departed from Delhi on Thursday for his two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his Japan visit, Modi will travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)