World

Japanese PM Kishida’s visit to India showcases strong bond between the two nations

The visit of Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida of India signifies the deepening relationship between the two countries. PM Kishida’s visit comes at a significant time with Japan holding the Presidency of the G7 and India of the G20. The visit of the Japanese PM is an opportunity to discuss how the two groupings can synergize their efforts and work together on critical global issues.

On his second visit to India as Prime Minister, PM Fumio Kishida delivered the 41st Sapru House Lecture on “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), visited the Buddha park, held bilateral talks and more. The Japanese PM who was on India visit from March 20-21 gave a seminal address that reiterated the shared commitment of India and Japan towards cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

PM Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida held a bilateral meeting in which both the leaders discussed boosting India-Japan ties in sectors like defence, healthcare, technology, and other issues. They also discussed ways to increase competitiveness in logistics, food processing, MSME, textiles and more. The bilateral talks were an opportunity for both the leaders to review progress in our bilateral ties and further expand the India-Japan Partnership for a peaceful, stable and prosperous post-COVID world.

The delegation level talks were held on wide-ranging agenda on the table with a focus on cooperation in economy & commerce, climate & energy, defence & security, P2P, skill development. Further, both sides also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the role of India-Japan partnership in fostering peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Through the teachings of Lord Buddha

One of the aspects which connects India and Japan is the teachings of Lord Buddha. Aligning with it, PM Fumio Kishida and PM Modi paid a visit to the Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi on March 20. In a special gesture, PM, Modi also gifted a sapling of a Bal Bodhi tree to PM Kishida. In addition to this, PM Kishida of Japan also offered floral tributes at Rajghat and paid his respects to Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi.

Signing of major MoUs

On March 20, India and Japan exchanged notes in New Delhi, concerning the provision of yen loan for the construction of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (IV) (loan provision of up to 300.000 billion yen).

This project is to provide a loan to the Government of India for the construction of a high speed rail with the introduction of Japan’s Shinkansen system between Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra and Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. It is expected that the new high speed train will cover a distance of approximately 500 kilometers between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in two hours, as compared to five hours required by the current express train service. The MoU will help in realization of a mass passenger transportation system, and contribute to the efficiency of the transportation network and promote economic development in a broad range of areas.

India and Japan’s Foreign Ministries have also signed a memorandum for Japanese language education in India. Further, PM Modi also informed that India-Japan is celebrating 2023 as the Year of the Tourism Exchange on the theme “Connecting Himalayas with Mount Fuji”.

 

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