India, Japan ink security and business ties

India and Japan on Wednesday signed much-needed security cooperation pact in a number of areas including defence exercises, policing of Indian oceans, cooperation between Coast Guards and fight against terrorism and international crimes.

In a joint declaration, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso said that the aim of security cooperation is to secure peace in the East Asia and South-East Asia region, and it is not aimed against any other country.

Along with cooperation in political and military areas, the two countries also decided to give a political push for an early conclusion on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The bilateral trade between India and Japan amounted to just $ 10 billion in 2006-07. The negotiations commenced in 2007 to enhance bilateral trade to a significant amount stuck at official level with both sides eyeing on greater profit.

The two Prime Ministers also expressed their commitment to give further stimulus to bilateral economic and commercial ties and create new opportunities for business. They also confirmed to work together for the early completion of Western Corridor of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project.

Tokyo committed to give 450 billion yen (US $4.5 billion) for 1468 km long freight corridor between New Delhi and Mumbai.

Both the Prime Ministers, however, sought to downplay the growing proximity between India and Japan on the security and commercial front, saying security pact is important from the perspective of peace and security. Aso said, “Security pact is essential for Japan’s own security, but not at the cost of any third country. We have no intention to make a third country as a target, including China.”

Dr. Singh in his attempt to downplay “China factor” pointed out on the business and security ties: “I have explained on several occasions whether in India, in China or abroad that there is no competition between India and China. The world offers us enormous scope to realize our development ambitions.”

Singh and Aso, recognizing India and Japan are partners with a mutual stake in each other’s progress and prosperity, affirmed their commitment in promoting peace, stability and development in Asia and abroad.

The two leaders also condemned terrorism in all forms, and underlined their determination to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism through the Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism as well as UN mechanisms.

India and Japan will also promote capacity building in disaster prevention, preparedness, sharing knowledge and experience of both countries.

Cooperation will be conducted between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in the field of disaster management.

India and Japan also reiterated their common commitment in pursuing disarmament and non-proliferation seeking a peaceful nuclear weapon free world and working together against proliferation.

Manmohan Singh wraps up his three-day visit to Tokyo on Thursday and will travel to Beijing later in the day for the seventh ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) summit in which India was admitted in 2006, but participating for the first time at the highest level. The participants will deliberate on political, economic, social and cultural issues, comprising matters related to sustainable development.