PM, Abe ink 6 pacts, agree for 2+ 2 talks
Tokyo, Oct. 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Monday held “fruitful and extensive” talks during which they discussed issues of bilateral interest, the situation in the Indo- Pacific region and threats posed by nuclear terrorism as the two sides signed six agreements, including on a high speed rail project and naval cooperation.
The two leaders also agreed to initiate 2+ 2 dialogue involving their foreign and defence ministers. India has a similar agreement with the US and the two sides held the first round of 2+ 2 dialogue in New Delhi last month.
“Held fruitful and extensive talks with PM @ AbeShinzo. Today’s discussions focused on aspects relating to better economic ties, stronger cooperation in areas of defence and security,” Mr Modi tweeted before leaving for India after two days of summit- level talks.
During the 13th annual summit, the two leaders reviewed developments in bilateral ties and explored new areas of cooperation, focusing on
shared vision for peace and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific, where China is flexing its muscles.
“A strong Japan benefits India and a strong India benefits Japan... Without IndiaJapan cooperation, there will be no development in Asia into the 21st century,” said Mr Modi.
“We both agree that from digital partnership to cyber space, from health to protection, and from sea to space, in every field we will strengthen our partnership,” Mr Modi said.
Mr Abe said the ties between Japan and India have the biggest potential in the world.
The two leaders also reviewed the progress made on the MumbaiAhmedabad High Speed Rail project, which is an important symbol of India- Japan collaboration. The two sides signed an agreement on yen loan for the project.
The two leaders asked Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks.
“They called upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of