Indo - Japan Partnership

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe made an extremely imp trip to India recently. He also addressed joint session of Parliament. Here is the transcript of his speech...

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/pmv0708/speech-2.html

"Confluence of the Two Seas"
Speech by H.E.Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan
at the Parliament of the Republic of India

August 22, 2007
Japanese
Hindi (PDF)

Your Excellency Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha,
Your Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister
Your Excellency Mr. Somnath Chatterjee, Speaker of the Lok Sabha,
Honourable Parliamentary representatives of the Indian people,
Honourable Cabinet members,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to begin my remarks today by extending my sincerest condolences to many victims of nature's great fury, the people of India who have suffered tremendous damage from the recent torrential rain cantered in Bihar state, who are even at this very moment struggling against enormous hardships.

Today I have the great honour of addressing the highest organ of state power in this largest democracy in the world. I come before you on behalf of the citizens of another democracy that is equally representing Asia, to speak to you about my views on the future of Japan and India.

"The different streams, having their sources in different places, all mingle their water in the sea."

It gives me tremendous pleasure to be able to begin my address today with the words of Swami Vivekananda, the great spiritual leader that India gave the world.

My friends, where exactly do we now stand historically and geographically? To answer this question, I would like to quote here the title of a book authored by the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh in 1655. We are now at a point at which the Confluence of the Two Seas is coming into being.

The Pacific and the Indian Oceans are now bringing about a dynamic coupling as seas of freedom and of prosperity. A "broader Asia" that broke away geographical boundaries is now beginning to take on a distinct form. Our two countries have the ability -- and the responsibility -- to ensure that it broadens yet further and to nurture and enrich these seas to become seas of clearest transparence.

This is the message I wish to deliver directly today to the one billion people of India. That is why I stand before you now in the Central Hall of the highest chamber, to speak with you, the people's representatives of India.

* *

A number of times in history, Japan and India have attracted one another.

Vivekananda came to be acquainted with Tenshin Okakura, a man ahead of his time in early modern Japan and a type of Renaissance man. Okakura was then guided by Vivekananda and enjoyed also a friendship with Sister Nivedita, Vivekananda's loyal disciple and a distinguished female social reformer. Many people are aware of all that.

Tomorrow I will be taking a morning flight to Kolkata, where I expect to meet the son of Justice Radhabinod Pal. Justice Pal is highly respected even today by many Japanese for the noble spirit of courage he exhibited during the International Military Tribunal for the Far East.

People from the Bengal who forged a relationship with Japan -- be it the person whose name now graces Kolkata's international airport (Chandra Bose), or, going back a bit further in time, the ageless poet Rabindranath Tagore -- were engaged in at the deepest level of their soul with their Japanese contemporaries. Indeed, the depth and the richness of the exchanges that the intellectual leaders of Japan and India enjoyed during the early modern age are in some ways beyond what we in the modern day can imagine.

This rich history notwithstanding, I would like to state one firm conviction here. The changes now beginning to take place between India and Japan are those that truly have no precedent. First of all, as we can see from recent fascination among the Japanese people with India and the increasing eagerness among Indians to learn Japanese, the interest shown to each other goes far beyond a limited stratum of society but reaches the general public.

Behind this is, of course, the great expectation that economic relationships between our two countries will be deepened. The most eloquent evidence of this is the fact that almost 200 business executives, including Nippon Keidanren Chairman Mr. Fujio Mitarai, have accompanied me on my visit.

Secondly, the feeling of Japanese general public who has started to show interest in India is now trying to catch up to the reality of this "broader Asia." Japan has undergone "The Discovery of India", by which I mean we have rediscovered India as a partner that shares the same values and interests and also as a friend that will work alongside us to enrich the seas of freedom and prosperity, which will be open and transparent to all.

I wonder, here in India, whether there is now a similar change underway in your perception of Japan. If, by some chance, this has not yet taken place, would you allow me to say that it started here, now, with all of you?

* *

Here I would like to share with you my own views on the many contributions that India has made -- and can make -- to the world. I realize that it may seem odd to speak of India's contributions to a congregation such as this, but I ask your indulgence, as it ties in to what I will touch upon soon afterwards.

I would argue that among many contributions that India can make to the world history, there is first of all its spirit of tolerance. I would like to quote, if I may, Vivekananda again, part of the conclusion of deeply meaningful remarks he delivered in Chicago in 1893. He said,

"help and not fight," "assimilation and not destruction," "harmony and peace and not dissension."

If you insert these exhortations into the context of the modern day, it is clear that these words preaching tolerance can hardly be considered relics of the past. Instead, we can recognize that they now hold a tone that is even more compelling than before.

From the reign of Ashoka the Great to Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha movement of nonviolent resistance, the Japanese people are well aware of the unbroken spirit of tolerance in Indian spiritual history.

I would like to emphasize today to the people of India that the Japanese people stand ready to work together with the Indian people so that this spirit of tolerance becomes the leading principle of this century.

In my view, the second contribution of India is the enormous challenge that it faces today.

All statistics indicate that India will become world's most populated nation by 2050. According to United Nations forecasts, even if we look ahead only as far as 2030, some 270 million people in India are expected to stream anew from the countryside into towns and cities.

India is trying to fight poverty that still persists today and to overcome social issues that are symbolic of demographic movement while consistently upholding democracy, and, at the same time, striving to achieve high economic growth. This, I believe, is precisely the challenge that India faces today.

As a person responsible for setting the direction of a nation, the scope of your aspiration and the enormity of the difficulties that are likely to accompany their realization leave me at loss for words. The world has its eyes focused on you as you undertake these challenges, and I too will be watching in great anticipation.

* *

My friends, Japan and India have come of late to be of the same intent to form a "Strategic Global Partnership." in which the two countries are going to expand and fortify their relations. As for how Japan has come to such a conclusion, I hope that through what I have just laid out as my personal views you have come to understand the recognition and expectations Japan has towards India.

This partnership is an association in which we share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, and the respect for basic human rights as well as strategic interests.

Japanese diplomacy is now promoting various concepts in a host of different areas so that a region called "the Arc of Freedom and Prosperity" will be formed along the outer rim of the Eurasian continent. The Strategic Global Partnership of Japan and India is pivotal for such pursuits to be successful.

By Japan and India coming together in this way, this "broader Asia" will evolve into an immense network spanning the entirety of the Pacific Ocean, incorporating the United States of America and Australia. Open and transparent, this network will allow people, goods, capital, and knowledge to flow freely.

Can we not say that faced with this wide, open, broader Asia, it is incumbent upon us two democracies, Japan and India, to carry out the pursuit of freedom and prosperity in the region?

In addition, as maritime states, both India and Japan have vital interests in the security of sea lanes. It goes without saying that the sea lanes to which I refer are the shipping routes that are the most critical for the world economy.

From now on let us together bear this weighty responsibility that has been entrusted to us, by joining forces with like-minded countries, shall we not, ladies and gentlemen?

The question of what Japan and India should do cooperatively in the area of security in the years to come is one that the officials in charge of diplomacy and defence in our countries must consider jointly. I would like to put that before Prime Minister Singh for his consideration.

* *

If you would kindly allow me to digress here for a minute, I would like to touch upon the fact that there are some recurring themes appearing in Japan's ODA to India. Those are none other than "forest" and "water."

For example, in the states of Tripura, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, Japanese ODA has been operating in conjunction with the local people to conserve the forest and to assist in reforesting so that people can make a living without cutting down trees of the forest. In Karnataka, we have advanced tree planting efforts by working hand in hand with the local people and, at the same time, promoting projects that also create means to overcome poverty.

In addition, sewerage facilities have been constructed and repaired to clean up Mother Ganges, water supply and sewerage facilities have been established in Bangalore, and purification of the water in Hussain Sagar Lake in the middle of Hyderabad have all been undertaken by means of Japan's strong hope for India to be blessed with pure water.

Through these projects you will come to know the wishes that Japanese people hold for India. The Japanese are a people who treasure their forests and cherish their abundant water. What's more, the Japanese are also aware that the people of India have an acute sensitivity through which they perceive life in every tree and every blade of grass and read spirituality into all of creation. With Japanese and Indians both holding the natural world in such great reverence, it is impossible not to believe that the people of our nations share something in common.

We, the people of Japan, hope strongly that the Indian people will nurture their forests and enable them to thrive and also be able to enjoy the blessings of an abundance of clean water. That is why cooperation from Japan in the form of ODA invariably includes items to assist in forest conservation and water quality improvement, year in and year out.

Not long ago I presented to the world an initiative to address global warming entitled "Cool Earth 50." Under this initiative, I proposed to cut global emission of greenhouse gases by 50% from the current level by the year 2050.

I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to you regarding this proposal. I would like to work together with India towards the target of "reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050".

The post-Kyoto framework I have envisioned would include all major emittes, and in that sense it would have to move beyond the current Protocol. The framework must be flexible and diverse, taking into consideration the circumstances of each country. And the structure must achieve compatibility between environmental protection and economic growth by utilizing advances in technologies to the greatest extent possible.

It is to you, the representatives of the Indian people, to whom I am appealing. There is no nation on earth for whom leading the fight against climate change would be so entirely fitting, because no people has had a harmonious coexistence with nature so central to their philosophy throughout history as the people of India.

I urge you to walk with us down this difficult but unavoidable road where we strive to strike a balance between economic growth and fight against climate change. Of course, the assistance that Japan would be able to offer can be expected to be of some significance, particularly in the field of energy efficiency related technology.

* *

As I mentioned a few moments ago, there are close to 200 executives from major Japanese companies who have accompanied me on this visit. They are now, at this very moment, holding a forum with Indian business leaders and discussing ways to strengthen relations between our countries.

In consideration of this, it is incumbent upon me to urge the Japanese negotiators to work to conclude promptly a comprehensive and high-quality economic partnership agreement between Japan and India, which will set an example for the world. I likewise urge the Indian side to give their support to enable the early conclusion of this agreement.

The amount of trade between our two countries will be increasing dramatically in the immediate future. It would be no mistake to say that in only the next three years, we can expect it to reach about 20 billion US dollars.

Prime Minister Singh has demonstrated great enthusiasm in executing plans to connect Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata with a freight corridor totalling 2,800 kilometres in length, with average speed to be 100 km per hour. In two months, final reports of the feasibility studies will be drawn up. This is a project of tremendous significance, and Japan is actively considering means for financial assistance.

Furthermore, Japan and India are now engaged in a wide-ranging discussion upon the so-called Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, for which the Dedicated Freight Corridor will serve as its backbone. I would like my government to closely cooperate with the Indian side particularly toward the establishment of a dedicated fund that should help bring about the Industrial Corridor.

This evening, I will be meeting with Prime Minister Singh, and we will be discussing the roadmap by which we can chart the direction in which relations between Japan and India should proceed. I believe that after our discussions, we will likely be able to make an announcement about our progress.

What I would like to convey to you, the representatives of the citizens of India, is that Prime Minister Singh and myself are steadfastly convinced that "Japan-India relationship is blessed with the largest potential for development of any bilateral relationship anywhere in the world." We are also in perfect agreement that "a strong India is in the best interest of Japan, and a strong Japan is in the best interest of India."

* *

Now, as this new "broader Asia" takes shape at the confluence of the two seas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, I feel that it is imperative that the democratic nations located at opposite edges of these seas deepen the friendship among their citizens at every possible level.

With that in mind, I have decided that over the next five years, we will welcome to Japan 500 Indian youth per year, out of which about 100 will be allocated for those studying Japanese or teaching Japanese. This is precisely an investment towards future generations.

Moreover, this is not only an investment for the two countries but also for the future of this new "broader Asia". It is an attempt to bring about freedom and prosperity in the world as well as "coexistence" between different peoples, as Vivekananda preached.

The friendship that unites India and Japan will no doubt touch the deepest soul of the people of our two countries; of this I am convinced.

It was exactly 50 years ago that my grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, became the first Japanese Prime Minister ever to visit India. Then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru brought my grandfather to an outdoor "civic reception" at which tens of thousands of people had gathered, introducing him to a crowd energetically saying, "This is the Prime Minister of Japan, a country I hold in the greatest esteem." This is a story I heard as a little boy from my grandfather. As the leader of a defeated nation in a war, he must have been very much delighted.

Kishi was also the Prime Minister who launched Japan's first post-war ODA. Japan was then still a poor country herself, but as a matter of honour we wanted to provide ODA. At that time, the country that had accepted Japan's ODA was none other than India. My grandfather never forgot that fact either.

I know that the Indian Parliament without fail offers prayers every year on the day which atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. And over the years, the children of Japan have been sent four elephants as a gift from your country.

Prime Minister Nehru kindly gave Japan an elephant that bore the name of his daughter Indira. Since that time the government of India has donated three other elephants to Japanese zoos in total, and each of these has a name that is hard to forget: Arsha ("hope"), Daya ("benevolence"), and Suriya ("the sun").

Suriya arrived in Japan in May 2001, just as Japan was struggling to wrest itself from a grinding recession. Suriya was our reminder that "the sun will indeed rise again".

For all of these things, please allow me to extend my sincere gratitude on behalf of the people of Japan.

* *

In closing today, let me pose a brief question to you. When Japanese people come to India, what do you think they almost invariably marvel at?

It is none other than Indian dancing, such as the "Bharatanatyam" and "Kathak dance", in which the contrasts of the static and the dynamic are lively and brilliant. The breathing of the dancers and the musicians match perfectly at the culmination of incredibly delicate rhythms, as if scripted that way. Watching it, one can hardly help but think that it is a result of very complex computations.

We, India and Japan, want to become partners who exhibit just this type of perfect match with each other. No, let me state here that we most certainly can become just such partners.

Thank you for your time. It was a true honour to be able to address you today.

--------------

I honestly feel we ought to reduce Pakistan mania (esp in Media and somewhat in Govt) drastically. Agar itna time/energy hum doosri countries mein invest karein to behtar hoga. We must spend more time on countries in East Asia and Ocenia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malasia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, NZ etc), we can benefit greatly by interacting with them.

Coming back to Indo - Japan partnership. Both countries have so much to gain by a close relationship. Japan is the biggest overseas donor (IIRC) to India, they helped Netaji's efforts during WWII. We both need each other for countering China, Japan needs to diversify its investments (they would not like to invest too much in China for obvious reasons)...India is a natural choice. Sadly hum logo ko jitna attention dena chahiye tha iss trip ko utna diya nahin. Maine PM Abe ki speech ka video search karne ki koshish ki GoI websites par, lekin milee nahin. That shows the kind of imp we attach to Indo-Japan partnership. Ek aur imp baat, Japanese Ministry ki link mein PM Abe ki speech ka Hindi version bhi hai....wish ki hum log bhi apni bhasha ko utni hi imp dete.

---------

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/pmv0708/joint-2.html

Joint Statement
On the Roadmap for New Dimensions to the Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India

Japanese

1. The Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, is currently paying an Official Visit to India from August 21 to 23, 2007 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh.
He is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Akie Abe and a high-level official delegation, members of Business Leaders Forum as well as about 200 member Japanese Economic Mission.

2. Prime Minister Abe was accorded a ceremonial welcome on August 22. Prime Minister Abe paid a courtesy call to the President of India and addressed the Indian Parliament. He had extensive talks with Prime Minister Singh, who will also be hosting a Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. Prime Minister Abe attended the meeting for university collaboration which was held with the participation of vice chancellors/presidents of prominent universities of both countries. Indo-Japan friendship organisations hosted a reception, and Indian economic organisations hosted a luncheon for Prime Minister Abe. H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs of India and H.E. Mr. L.K. Advani, Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha, called on the Prime Minister of Japan. Prime Minister Abe will visit Kolkata and will attend the Opening Ceremony of Japan-India Culture Centre.

Roadmap for New Dimensions to the Strategic and Global Partnership

3. The two leaders shared the view that the visit of Prime Minister Singh to Japan as well as the decision to establish the Strategic and Global Partnership last December elevated the partnership between the two countries to a new level. Japan and India share universal values of democracy, open society, human rights, rule of law and market economy and share common interest in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world. Based on this recognition, the two leaders reaffirmed that the Japan-India partnership is a bilateral relationship with the largest potential for growth. The two leaders reiterated that a strong, prosperous and dynamic India is in the interest of Japan and a strong, prosperous and dynamic Japan is in the interest of India and recognised that Japan and India share a congruence of interests.

4. A new dynamism for growth is being generated in Asia as a result of economic development in India and in other countries as well as heightened efforts towards regional integration. Asia is in the process of rapidly developing synergies/interaction among the different economies, societies, civilisations and cultures of the region while respecting existing diversity and enhancing openness. Recognising the current dynamism in Asia, the two Prime Ministers expressed their firm belief that the 21st century should be the century for peace, progress and democracy, and that the partnership between Japan and India, the two major democracies in Asia, is an essential pillar for the future architecture of the entire region. They resolved to work together to further promoting the new dynamism in Asia in a positive direction. Based on this recognition, they exchanged views on the future course of bilateral relations, and set-forth a Roadmap for New Dimensions to the Strategic and Global Partnership. They reaffirmed their willingness to build a strong and enduring partnership through the following Roadmap:

Political, Security and Defence Cooperation

5. High Level Visits:

Prime Minister Singh has renewed his invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to pay a State Visit to India.

Prime Minister Abe extended an invitation to Prime Minister Singh to visit Japan in 2008. The Indian Prime Minister appreciated the invitation and expressed his willingness to visit Japan at a mutually convenient time in 2008. The two leaders welcomed more active high-level exchanges between the two countries. The two sides will enhance regular exchanges between members of their respective Cabinets.

6. Further Cooperation in the Security Field:

The two leaders recognised that Japan and India share common interests in such fields as maintaining the safety and security of sea lanes in the Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean regions, and fighting against transnational crimes, terrorism, piracy and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The two leaders directed respective authorities to study future course of cooperation in the security field between the two countries and to report to them by the time of Indian Prime Minister's visit to Japan.

7. Deepening and Broadening Strategic Dialogue at Various Levels:

The two sides recognised the importance of deepening and broadening strategic dialogue through various channels. The two leaders welcomed the launching of the annual Strategic Dialogue at the Foreign Minister level in March 2007. The Foreign Minister of Japan will visit India for the second Dialogue in 2008 before the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Japan. The two sides will continue to hold regular dialogues between the National Security Advisor of India and the Japanese counterpart. The two sides will commence bi-annual Foreign Secretary/Vice Minister level dialogue. The two sides will also launch an exchange programme of young diplomats in order to promote mutual understanding between the two Foreign Offices.

8. Strengthening Defence Exchange:

The two leaders recognised that common interests of the two countries in the defence and security fields require steady and qualitative upgradation of cooperation between the two sides, including inter alia the expansion of the annual calendar of cooperation and exchanges relating to defence and security, Vice Minister/Defence Secretary level regular Defence Policy Dialogue, cooperation in sharing of experience in international peace cooperation activities under the aegis of the United Nations and counter-terrorism, information sharing in important areas of mutual interest, technical exchange, joint exercises and training, and talks between the services. The two leaders welcomed the participation of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force in the multilateral maritime exercise "Malabar" to be held in September 2007 in the Bay of Bengal. The two sides will enhance reciprocal visits of Defence Ministers and hold the second round of the Defence Policy Dialogue at an earliest convenient time.

9. Promotion of Cooperation between the Coast Guards:

The two sides reaffirmed their intention to enhance cooperation in maritime safety, maritime security and protection of marine environment through combined exercises, regular meetings of heads of the two Coast Guards, and cooperation based on the Memorandum on Cooperation signed between the two Coast Guards.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership

10. Expansion of Bilateral Trade:

The two leaders expressed satisfaction in the recent trend of growth in trade between Japan and India. The total amount of trade between the two countries has been steadily rising, and could possibly reach approximately US$ 10 billion in 2007. In order to further enhance bilateral comprehensive economic partnership, the two leaders agreed to work towards an annual trade volume of US $20 billion by the year 2010.

11. Negotiations on EPA/CEPA:

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of delivering a high-quality and mutually beneficial EPA/CEPA that reflects the strategic importance of bilateral relations and fully harnesses the potential of their economic relationship. In this context, the two leaders directed their respective negotiators to actively pursue and complete the negotiations as soon as possible.

12. Economic Assistance:

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the growing economic relations between the two countries. The Indian side appreciated the Japanese ODA for which India has remained the largest recipient for the fourth consecutive year. The Japanese assistance, including its continued support to the Delhi Metro Project which symbolises high quality economic assistance from Japan, has generated goodwill for Japan across all parts of India. The two leaders shared the view that Japanese ODA should continue to play an increasing role in areas including infrastructure development, cooperation on environment and energy, as well as poverty reduction and social sector development.

13. Promotion of Special Economic Partnership Initiative (SEPI):

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the progress made in the implementation of the SEPI, which aims at promoting enhancement of investment from Japan to India and helping development of India's infrastructure and manufacturing capacity. This comprehensive economic partnership will give an impetus to the Indian economy that will in turn also create new frontiers and opportunities for Japan's economy and continued prosperity. The two leaders appreciated the steady increase in the number of Japanese companies present in India as well as estimated increase in Japanese FDI to India. The two leaders appreciated the following developments under SEPI:

14. Business Leaders Forum:

The two leaders welcomed the report prepared by the Business Leaders Forum. They instructed their respective authorities to examine the report and to implement the relevant recommendations.

15. High Technology Trade:

The two leaders took note of the commencement of dialogue in this important area, and expressed their readiness to continue bilateral talks through the Consultation Mechanism for High Technology Trade, in order to make further progress in facilitating two-way high technology trade and addressing matters relating to respective export control systems.

16. Japanese Depositary Receipt (JDR):

Both sides resolved to explore JDR as a potential source of financing for private sector development in India, including DMIC.

17.Currency Swap Arrangement:

The two leaders welcomed the agreement-in-principle on the bilateral currency swap arrangement which aims at addressing short-term liquidity difficulties and supplementing the existing international financial arrangements. The two leaders hoped that the bilateral currency swap arrangement would promote the financial cooperation between Japan and India.

18. Cooperation in the Field of Urban Development:

The two leaders welcomed the useful exchange of views concerning water environment, urban development and urban transport during the first Japan-India Joint Working Group on Urban Development held in Japan. They reaffirmed their intention to regularly hold Working Group meetings in order to identify potential areas of collaboration.

19. ICT (Information and Communication Technology):

The two leaders welcomed progress in the Japan-India ICT Forum, including the successful result of field trials on wide-band wireless technology. They also expressed expectations that cooperation in new areas such as Next Generation Network, and mobile communication systems, would be undertaken in the ICT Forum. The Japanese side will continue consultation on the proposal for assistance in setting up the National Gigabit Backbone Network by India to facilitate information flow and e-government support through data, voice and video conferencing facilities.

Science and Technology

20. The two leaders welcomed the commencement of the bilateral project based on the MOU between Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Department of Science and Technology of India (DST) in the area of ICT. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the adoption of new research subjects in Nano Technology and Life Science which are to be funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT). The two leaders confirmed that MEXT, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would co-host APRSAF-14 in November, 2007 in Bangalore. They appreciated the recent signature of the Agreement between JAXA and ISRO concerning cooperation in space X-ray observations.

21. The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Department of Science and Technology of India (DST), and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization of Japan (KEK), on 24th July 2007 recalling the discussions in the Japan-India Science Council co-hosted by DST and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Strategic Dialogue on Economic Issues

22. The two leaders appreciated the progress made in the first Japan-India Strategic Dialogue on Economic Issues, and directed this forum to follow up on the economic issues mentioned in this Joint Statement through the next dialogue and report to them by the time of the next Summit meeting.

People-to-People Exchange, Academic Exchange, Cultural Exchange

23. University Exchange/Indian Institute of Technology (IIT):

The two leaders welcomed the convening of the first-ever Japan-India Dialogue of Vice-chancellor/President on Academic Exchange among leading higher educational institutions of both countries, which was held during Prime Minister Abe's visit in New Delhi, as a forum for comprehensive exchange of views and relevant information for the furtherance of academic exchange. The two leaders shared the conviction that more active and enhanced academic exchange between higher educational institutions of both countries should be the key for consolidating a foundation for long-lasting friendship between Japan and India. With this belief in mind, both sides will initiate a working group to study and explore possible collaboration in setting up a new IIT. The working group will report progress of their study to the two leaders by the time of the next Summit meeting.

24. Youth Exchange:

The two leaders shared the view that it is important to significantly enhance people-to-people contacts between the two countries. In this regard, the two leaders welcomed the progress in the Aso Programme, and Prime Minister Abe's decision to invite about 500 youths annually, including 100 outstanding Japanese language students and young Japanese language teachers from India in the next 5 years under the framework of Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme announced during the second East Asia Summit. Prime Minister Singh appreciated the proposal. Both sides will continue consultations on the possibility of utilising Japanese ODA loans to increase the number of Indian students to Japan.

25. Japanese Language Education in India:

Taking note of the fact that Japanese language learners in India have almost doubled in the last 3 years, the two leaders confirmed their will to cooperate towards realising the target of 30,000 Japanese language learners in India by the year 2010. The Indian side proposed to establish a Training Centre for Japanese Language Teachers in India. The Japanese side welcomed the plan and expressed that it would consider supporting India's effort by dispatching young Japanese language teachers to India under the JENESYS Programme.

26. Japan-India Friendship Year:

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the success of on-going Japan-India Friendship Year Programmes both in Japan and India. The two sides will promote mutual exchange, attaching high priority to further enhancement of exchanges in such areas as youth, sports, films, popular culture and fashion. Each side will hold film festivals in the other country in the year 2008. They also decided to enhance the recent development of exchanges between the local governments of both countries.

27. Tourism Promotion:

The two leaders expressed satisfaction in the success of the Japan-India Tourism Exchange Year both in Japan and in India, and reaffirmed their willingness to promote bilateral tourism initiatives, including the target of increasing the number of visitors between the two countries to 300,000 by the year 2010 and to 500,000 by the year 2015.

Issues of Common Interests

28. East Asia Summit (EAS):

The two leaders confirmed the importance of the EAS in the enhancement and progressive realisation of an East Asian community and agreed to work jointly and with other countries of the region to promote this objective. They reiterated that the EAS can substantially contribute in the process of community building based on universally recognised values and in enhancing the role of the region at the global level. The two leaders expressed their will to promote cooperation in such areas as energy security, youth exchange, the study on Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA), the establishment of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and to work together to specify other areas of cooperation under the framework of the EAS.

29. Dialogue among Cultures, Societies and Religions in East Asia:

With a view to establishing an East Asian community in the future, the two leaders recognised the importance of promoting dialogue among various cultures, societies and religions in East Asia. Prime Minister Abe welcomed India's initiative to revive the Nalanda University, which once used to be the centre of academic research in Asia, as a centre of learning in Asia. The Japanese side will take part in the multilateral discussions to realise this initiative, after taking into consideration the deliberations of Mentors' Group.

30. Cooperation towards Stable Development of South Asia:

The two leaders recognised the importance to promote regional cooperation in South Asia. Prime Minister Abe highly commended the success of the 14th Summit Meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) under the chairmanship of the Government of India. Japan's continued cooperation with SAARC countries under the Japan-SAARC Special Fund as well as Japan's intention to further cooperate in such fields as improving connectivity were welcomed.

31. Promotion of Multi-layered Frameworks for Regional Cooperation:

The two leaders reaffirmed that Japan and India should actively cooperate to promote multi-layered frameworks and dialogues for regional cooperation in Asia, including the EAS, SAARC and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). They shared the view on the usefulness of having dialogue among Japan, India and other like-minded countries in the Asia-Pacific region on themes of mutual interest.

32. UN Reform:

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the expansion of the UN Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, which is central to the reform process. Both sides will continue their close cooperation towards early realisation of the Security Council reform so that it reflects contemporary realities and can effectively cope with newly emerging threats and challenges. In this context, they appreciated the leading role played by the Group of Four (G-4): Brazil, Germany, India and Japan.

33. WTO:

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of achieving a successful conclusion of the WTO Doha Round negotiations this year. They expressed their resolve to cooperate closely to achieve a balanced and comprehensive agreement.

34. Energy, Environment and Climate Change:

The two leaders decided to sign a separate joint statement on enhancement of energy security and environmental protection.

35. Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation:

The two leaders shared the view that nuclear energy can play an important role as a safe, sustainable and non-polluting source of energy in meeting the rising global demand for energy. They looked forward to constructive deliberations at the relevant international fora with respect to the international civil nuclear cooperation framework under appropriate IAEA safeguards with India.

36. Disarmament and Non-proliferation:

The two leaders, reiterating their commitment to disarmament and greatly concerned over the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery, confirmed their will to continue to cooperate on disarmament and to work as partners against proliferation.

37. DPRK:

The two leaders welcomed the recent progress made in the Six Party Talks including the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facility and commencement of IAEA's activities in the DPRK. They agreed that the DPRK should continue to take steps to implement the decisions taken in the Six Party Talks in order to realise the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. They also welcomed the measures taken by other concerned parties to facilitate this process. They emphasised the importance of implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. The Indian side expressed its willingness to work with the international community to resolve the abduction issue at the earliest as a humanitarian concern.

38. Human Security:

The two leaders stressed the need to cooperate in developing a common understanding of human security, with due respect to the evolving, multidimensional and comprehensive nature of the concept, with a view to tackling global challenges including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

39. Counter Terrorism:

The two leaders reaffirmed that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and commended the efforts undertaken by both governments to fight against terrorism. They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. They decided to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combating it including the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. They underlined their commitment to the full implementation of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy and called for expeditious conclusion of the ongoing negotiations of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. They instructed the concerned authorities of both governments to hold consultations on counter terrorism at the earliest.

New Delhi, August 22, 2007

First of all Deepak thankyou for such a nice post and nice articles!

This is post can be discussed on the emphasis of India's Foreign policy earlier and now !

Will get back to this post soon!

Wishes,

Myth

Thank you for the Article... 😊