1. I deem it an honour to contribute to the special supplement published by the Japan News on the occasion of the ongoing two-day visit of H.E Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Japan for the 11th annual bilateral Summit Meeting with H.E. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan. Prime Minister Modi’s visit provides fresh impetus to our Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
2. Relations between India and Japan are cemented by close bonds forged on the anvil of Buddhism. As two large democracies, we value openness, transparency and respect for the rule of law.
3. Our relationship is marked by a convergence on economic and strategic issues. As two prominent maritime states in the Indo-Pacific region, we are committed to the cause of peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
4. Japan is now a regular participant in the Malabar naval exercises. Dialogue between the three defense services provides a platform for closer cooperation, particularly in the field of maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Promoting regional connectivity and an inclusive, balanced and open regional architecture is a common objective. India and Japan have condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with “zero tolerance” and have reaffirmed their deep concern at the continued threat posed by terrorists and terror groups.
5. With a projected GDP growth rate of 7.6% in 2016, India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing large economy and as a global manufacturing hub. India’s large domestic market, macro-economic stability and competitive low-cost manufacturing have made it an attractive investment destination.
6. India is strongly committed to improving the “ease of doing business”. The passage of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, the setting up of Commercial Courts and new legislation regarding the Goods and Services Tax are expected to spur economic growth and FDI flows. Today, Japan is the 4th largest investor in India. The Indian economy offers unparalleled opportunities to Japanese companies to participate in programmes including Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart Cities and Industrial Townships and Corridors. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway Project is an example of our cooperation in the railway sector. India is now Japan’s largest ODA partner.
7. The role of private capital from Japan is integral to our burgeoning economic engagement. Japanese companies stand to benefit from low-cost manufacturing and the ample pool of competent human resources in India. The JBIC Surveys in the last two years have consistently ranked India as the most preferred medium-term destination for Japanese manufacturing companies.
8. The people of India greatly admire Japan’s culture of hard work, discipline and dedication just as the Japanese people admire India’s diversity and spirituality. People-to-people exchanges are on the rise. India has recently revised its visa regime to facilitate travel for Japanese visitors. Japan’s role in skills development, education and training programmes in India will benefit a large and youthful workforce.
9. India and Japan have a shared outlook on many global issues. Our cooperation in the field of clean energy, including nuclear energy, has enormous implications for our quest for sustainable growth. We look to strengthening co-operation on climate change and reform of the United Nations.
10. Together, we can play a significant role in charting the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
11. I am confident that ties between India and Japan will prove to be a defining relationship of the 21st century
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