After Kyoto Bonhomie, PM Modi, Shinzo Abe Get Down To Business Today

Mangalore Today News Network

Tokyo, Sep 01, 2014: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold summit talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo today. Cooperation in defence, civil nuclear and infrastructure development are expected to top their agenda as both countries face an increasingly assertive China.

The two countries are likely to agree on a "two-plus-two" security consultative framework involving their foreign and defence ministers. Japan has a similar framework with the US, Australia, Russia and France.

Reports said Indian and Japanese negotiators worked till late on Sunday to work out details of a civil nuclear deal.

"In the field of defence and security, I feel time has come for us to upgrade our relations. I see in the recent changes in Japan’s defence export policies and regulations a possibility to engage in a new era of cooperation in high-end defence technology and equipment," Mr Modi had told the Japanese media before the visit.

India and Japan are also expected to sign a deal on joint production of rare earth materials.

PM Modi began the day with a trip to a 136-year-old school where he attended a class and interacted with students and teachers. He also addressed business leaders.

Mr Modi flew to Tokyo last night after a two-day stay in the historic city of Kyoto, where he visited two ancient Buddhist temples. The Japanese PM, who made a rare 500-km trip from Tokyo to welcome Mr Modi on Saturday, accompanied him in these visits.

Mr Modi sought Japanese help to fight the deadly sickle cell anemia commonly found among tribals in India, when he went to the Stem Cell Research Facility of the Kyoto University.

Mr Modi, 63, and Mr Abe, 59, who shared a warm rapport in Kyoto, will have a "substantive summit agenda", say officials.

The talks will involve the Japanese Finance, Trade, Defence and Infrastructure ministers.
 
The two countries are expected to discuss Japan’s help in improving India’sinfrastructure, particularly the railways, and cleaning of river Ganga. 

 

Courtesy:NDTV