Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to depart on a 4-day visit to Japan on 30 August 2014. The visit is expected to include discussions on the civil nuclear cooperation agreement, transfer of defence technology and infrastructure investments. Former diplomat Neelam Deo, Director,Gateway House,comments on India’s bilateral relations with Japan and the upcoming visit.
Statement:
“The most significant dimension of the India-Japan bilateral is infrastructure investments – India is the largest recipient of Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Japan. Suzuki Motor Corporation’s investment in the manufacturing of Maruti Suzuki in India transformed the automobile sector. Japan’s assistance with projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor has given further impetus to transport and network development in India. Hopefully, the forthcoming negotiations will bring more investment and high-technology from Japan.
The civil nuclear cooperation agreement, when concluded, will facilitate Japanese manufacturing of nuclear power equipment and enable multinational corporations which have a controlling stake to participate in India’s nuclear power sector.
It is also important to take into account the changing strategic situation in Asia. China and Japan have a fraught relationship, and the U.S. – China bilateral is complex. India is uniquely positioned in this dynamic – it has close relationships with both Japan and the U.S. and although it has differences with China on the border, it is also a major trading partner and hopes to attract Chinese investment in infrastructure.
India and Japan should foster a more strategic relationship. India can take advantage of Japan’s willingness to share its high-technology and sale of weapons such as the US-2 amphibian aircraft.”
For more information or interview requests, please contact Reetika Joshi at joshi.reetika@gatewayhouse.in.