Modi to Hold Talks with Putin, Xi at China Meet

New Delhi: Ahead of his departure for Tokyo late on Thursday evening to strengthen bilateral ties with close strategic partner Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he and his Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba will “endeavour to give new wings to our collaboration, expand the scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies”. Both leaders on Friday will co-chair the 15th annual summit between the two nations.

Before leaving for Japan, the Prime Minister said, “During my visit, we will focus on shaping the next phase in our special strategic and global partnership, which has made steady and significant progress over the past 11 years… The visit will also be an opportunity to strengthen our civilisational bonds and cultural ties that connect our peoples.”

“I am confident that my visits to Japan and China will further our national interests and priorities and contribute to building fruitful cooperation in advancing regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister will arrive at the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo on Friday morning. He will also attend a business event, meet various Japanese dignitaries, attend a ceremony where he will be presented a traditional “daruma” (Japanese nomenclature for the Indian concept of "dharma") doll by the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple. Later in the day, Mr Modi will co-chair the annual summit with Mr Ishiba.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister will interact with the National Governors Association, attend a lunch hosted by the Japanese PM and then participate in a tour of the Tokyo Electron factory along with Mr Ishiba.

During his visit, possibly on Saturday, Mr Modi will travel outside Tokyo for a programme accompanied by Mr Ishiba. Late in the afternoon on Saturday, he will leave Tokyo for the Chinese port city of Tianjin to attend the SCO summit.

The visit to Japan comes at a time of India’s trade tensions with the US. Japan has been an ally of the United States for decades, and all three nations, along with Australia, form the four-nation Quad mechanism that is focused on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Both Japan and India have territorial disputes with China, whose military assertiveness is growing in the Indo-Pacific region. Bilateral ties between India and Japan have grown closer and stronger over the past two decades.

Asked about the four-nation Quad summit to be hosted by India this year and whether discussions will also focus on the four-nation grouping during talks between Indian and Japanese PMs, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said earlier this week at a special ministry of external affairs briefing, “The Quad is indeed an important platform for working on and promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and development in the Indo-Pacific region… Both our countries attach high value to this forum and to this partnership. And we look forward to working with all Quad partners to take our cooperation forward. I'm sure when the two Prime Ministers meet, the Quad will be a subject that will be discussed between the two of them.”

Asked about defence cooperation with Japan, the foreign secretary said, “I think there was some interest in specific platforms, etc… There are discussions going on… on a number of other issues between the designated agencies of the two sides, DRDO in India and ATLA in Japan. And these discussions are regular and the agenda is constantly being refreshed, and they remain engaged on it.”

Commenting on the close bilateral strategic ties, Mr Misri had said, “India and Japan are two countries that share values, trust, and strategic outlook on several issues. He had added, “In Japan, the Prime Minister will also participate in a business leaders’ forum with captains of Japanese and Indian industry. These interactions are aimed at deepening the important trade, investment and technology relationship between the two countries."