Indian and Japanese Prime Ministers meet for annual summit

World Today

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Shinzo Abe have a number of common interests.

Maritime security is linking the Indian to Pacific Ocean. This security architecture has been on the table for almost 10 years, but geopolitical environment have not allowed the two countries to bridge the difference of interests until now.

CCTV’s Terrence Terashima reports.

Experts said, with the sense of uncertainty on the United State’s future Asian security policies, Japan is seeking closer and tighter ties with Asian and West Asian countries.

Tokyo and New Delhi will strengthen security cooperation, including joint maritime exercises.

India is also set to purchase a dozen amphibious aircraft from Japan.

Civil nuclear cooperation agreement is another significant deal between India-Japan.

India is seeking emission free energy source to feed its energy hungry economy, while Japan’s battered nuclear sector is more than willing to access the huge market in India, estimated to top 150 billion dollars.

However, there are strong criticisms that Japan should not export its nuclear technologies after the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant in 2011.

More over, there are concerns that India has not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and Prime Minister Abe said in the past that Japan will cease cooperation if India conducts nuclear tests. But public concerns remain high.

Another focus of the bilateral summit was on the high speed railway projects between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Japan has been in competition with number of countries including China

Modi and Abe agreed on commitment to boost India’s infrastructure. Japan is steadfast in increasing its investments to India.

Experts say successful investments opportunities to India is also a positive element for Japan, which is seeking to boost its exports and economic recovery. Moreover, India is an important partner for Japan’s geopolitical interests. Success of this summit is important for Shinzo Abe.