NEW DELHI, JUL 1 (PTI): India and Japan on Thursday unveiled a raft of landmark initiatives including an economic partnership framework and defence pact to co-develop military hardware following summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi.
The major outcomes from the meeting included a declaration on economic security, a joint statement for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and a document to bolster engagement in the energy supply chain.
The two prime ministers carried out a comprehensive review of India-Japan ties in areas of trade and investment, economic security, energy, emerging technologies, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
“The economies of India and Japan are complementary. From cultural values to modern technology, there is similarity in our thinking and approach as well,” Modi said in his media statement.
“And above all, the foundation of our relations rests on unbreakable mutual trust,” he said, reflecting the growing congruence in ties between the two countries.
Modi said the two sides have prepared a joint roadmap for economic security.
“Through this, we will strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic areas such as semiconductors, quantum, and advanced materials,” he said.
Modi said India and Japan have also taken several important decisions in the field of energy security.
“Through the India-Japan bio-gas Initiative, we will set up one thousand bio-gas and organic fertiliser plants in India.”
“This will give new strength to sustainability, prosperity, and rural livelihoods in India’s villages,” he said. Both Modi and Takaichi witnessed the exchange of key MoUs and agreements spanning economic security, clean energy, critical technologies and research and development.
India and Japan also agreed on a list of activities for celebrating the 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations, external affairs ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.
In his remarks, Modi also highlighted the strength and significance of India-Japan ties.
“Just a few days ago, at the G7 Summit, I had said that in today’s atmosphere of global upheaval, mutual trust is our greatest strategic asset.”
“And I am proud that the India-Japan partnership stands fully tested on this touchstone,” he said.
Modi note that the convergence of Japan’s precision technology and India’s software capabilities will give a new momentum and strength in artificial intelligence.
“In the field of defence, we have signed an agreement on the first co-development project between India and Japan,” he said.
The Japanese prime minister, who is on a three-day visit to India, said both sides are focusing on economic growth through investment and innovation collaboration.
