Japan is my government's highest priority, says Modi

Underlining that a closer and stronger bilateral strategic partnership is indispensable for advancing peace in the world, India and Japan on Sunday decided to promote economic and social development and engage with other nations to address regional challenges and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.

This was decided during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. During the meeting, the two PMs affirmed their shared belief that “at a time of growing turmoil, tensions and transitions in the world, a closer and stronger strategic partnership between India and Japan is indispensable for a prosperous future for their two countries and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the world, in particular, in the inter-connected Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions”.

“The two PMs decided, in particular, to draw on the strength of their two countries’ shared values, convergent interests, and complementary skills and resources to build a strong partnership to promote economic and social development, capacity-building and infrastructure development in other interested countries and regions,” a joint statement said.

They also affirmed their intention to engage with other countries in the region and beyond to address the region’s challenges, deepen regional cooperation and integration, strengthen regional economic and security forums and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.

Modi said India considers Japan among its closest and most reliable partners and this relationship is “the highest priority for my government”.

“This is not only because Japan is a vital partner for India’s transformation, but also because India and Japan as two peace-loving and democratic nations can play an influential role in shaping the future of Asia and the world,” he said.

“A successful India and a successful Japan will be of benefit to both countries. Even more, the relationship will be a force of peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world,” Modi said.

The two PMs condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of their perpetrators, origin and motivations. They emphasised that the evolving character of terrorism called for stronger international partnership in combating terrorism, including through increased sharing of information and intelligence.

Image: PM Narendra Modi with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Photograph: MEA/Facebook