Japanese PM Kishida talked about strengthening relations with PM Modi

New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida visited Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi on Monday. Kishida, who reached Delhi on Monday morning on a tour of about 27 hours, also tasted Gol Gappa, Lassi and Aam Panna in the park. Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Kishida expressed their desire to expand the India-Japan Global Strategic Partnership.

Both countries considered strong relations important for the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Apart from this, due to strategic partnership, both the countries will benefit in various fields. In his media statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to India’s presidency of the G20 and Japan’s presidency of the G7 group and said that this is the best opportunity to work together on the priorities of both the sides for the global good.

PM Modi said that he gave detailed information to Prime Minister Kishida about the priorities of the Indian presidency of the G20. The Prime Minister said that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is based on democratic principles and respect for international law and is also important for the Indo-Pacific.

The PM said the two sides reviewed progress in bilateral ties, particularly in areas including defence, digital technology, trade and investment and health. He said both sides also discussed the importance of reliable supply chains for semi-conductors and other critical technologies. Also in his remarks, Kishida said that Tokyo’s economic cooperation with New Delhi is growing rapidly and will not only support India’s further development but also create significant economic opportunities for Japan.

Kishida said, ‘Today I will reveal my plan for a free and open Indo-Pacific on Indian soil. The Japanese prime minister said he formally invited Modi for the G7 summit in May and his Indian counterpart had accepted the invitation. During his visit to India in March last year, Kishida announced an investment target of five trillion yen (Rs 3,20,000 crore) in India over the next five years.