2.
Applauding the commemorative events held to celebrate the
60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two
countries in 2012, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed that India and Japan, as
the two largest democracies in Asia sharing such universal values as freedom,
democracy and rule of law, enjoy very close and wide-ranging relations. They
expressed their resolve to further consolidate and strengthen the Strategic and
Global Partnership between India and Japan in the years ahead, taking into
account changes in the strategic environment.
3.
Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for the
invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress of Japan to visit
India. The two Prime Ministers confirmed that the two governments would make
necessary preparations and coordination with a view to realizing Their
Majesties’ visit as State Guests from the end of November to early December.
4.
The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the
steady growth of political exchanges, dialogue and policy coordination at all
levels. They positively evaluated Ministerial-level annual dialogues and
exchanges, particularly the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue and the
Ministerial Level Economic Dialogue. The two Prime Ministers also noted the
successful outcomes achieved during the"2 plus 2” dialogue, the Foreign
Secretary level Dialogue, the Foreign Office Consultations, the Defence Policy
Dialogue, the Trilateral Dialogue between India, Japan and the United States,
as well as other key interactions on various areas including cyber,
counter-terrorism and economic partnership. The two Prime Ministers welcomed
the launch of the bilateral Maritime Affairs Dialogue, the first meeting of
which was held on 29 January 2013 in Delhi.
5.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the expanding defence
relations between the two countries based on the Joint Declaration on Security
Cooperation between India and Japan. The two Prime Ministers expressed
satisfaction that the first bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy (IN)and
the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)was held in June 2012 off the
coast of Japan and decided to conduct such exercises on a regular basis with
increased frequency. They decided to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to
explore modality for the cooperation on the US-2 amphibian aircraft.
6.
Prime Minister Singh expressed his appreciation to the
Government and people of Japan for their continued and unwavering support to
India’s development. Prime Minister Abe reaffirmed that Japan would continue
its Official Development Assistance at a substantial level to encourage India’s
efforts towards social and economic development, including in the area of
infrastructure and human resource development. The two Prime Ministers welcomed
the signing of the Exchange of Notes for yen loan totalling 71billion yen for
the "Mumbai Metro Line-III project”, as well as the yen loan of the fiscal
year 2012 totalling353.106 billion yen for eight projects. Prime Minister Singh
appreciated the pledge by Prime Minister Abe for the Campus Development Project
of Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (Phase 2) for 17.7 billion yen and
the "Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme” for 13 billion yen.
7.
Noting that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA) has given a fillip to economic and trade relations, the two
Prime Ministers stressed the importance of continued efforts to further enhance
trade in goods and services as well as investments. In this context, they
expressed satisfaction with the successful holding of the second meeting of the
Joint Committee as well as a series of Sub-Committees.
8.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the
Agreement between India and Japan on Social Security in November 2012 and
directed their relevant authorities in the governments to work towards its
early entry into force. They expressed hope that this agreement would
contribute to further accelerating bilateral activities of private sectors.
9.
Prime Minister Singh expressed concern on the issue of
import of Indian shrimp by Japan and hoped that this issue would be resolved
soon.
10. The two Prime Ministers
expressed satisfaction with the progress in cooperation of creative industries
and welcomed the successful launch of the Indian Design Mark developed by the
India Design Council and the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.
11. The two Prime Ministers
noted with satisfaction the progress in implementation of the Western Dedicated
Freight Corridor (DFC). They expressed satisfaction that in Phase-I the
procurement of civil works was at an advanced stage and that the Engineering
Service Consultants for Phase-II were already in position. The two Prime Ministers
also expressed satisfaction with the signing of the first tranche of the Main
Loan Agreement for Phase-II totalling approximately 136 billion yen.
12. The two Prime Ministers
welcomed the progress made in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) as a
visionary India-Japan Strategic Partnership project which would enable India to
access innovative, cutting edge technologies. The two leaders shared the view
that all instruments of funding of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation
(JBIC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) including the
Special Term for Economic Partnership (STEP) may be explored. They appreciated
the formation of the DMIC Project Implementation Trust in India as well as the
listing of possible projects for Japan’s public and private financing as
Japan’s USD 4.5 billion facility decided during the DMIC Task Force meeting at
Tokyo in October 2012. The two Prime Ministers also welcomed 26% equity
participation of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in the
DMIC Development Corporation (DMICDC), and the dispatch of an expert from JICA
and board members from JBIC to DMICDC. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the
rapid progress made in absorbing next generation technologies through the Smart
Community Projects and directed the relevant authorities to vigorously
accelerate implementation of the seawater desalination project at Dahej,
Gujarat, the Model Solar Project in Neemrana, Rajasthan, and the gas-fired
independent power producer (IPP) project in Maharashtra. The two Prime
Ministers also stressed on the early realization of other Smart Community
Projects and directed that all necessary measures be taken to provide solutions
for provision of gas at reasonable rates and for electricity and environmental
regulations so that each project moves ahead speedily as a symbol of
India-Japan strategic partnership. Prime Minister Abe welcomed the relaxations
of capital and financial regulations by India which could bring sustainable and
stable economic growth in India by enhancing private sector investments and
domestic production. The two Prime Ministers decided to continue consultations
and work towards expeditious solutions to the remaining issues.
13. Recognizing the
importance of development in the Chennai-Bengaluru areas, the two Prime
Ministers underlined their commitment to reinforce their cooperation. Prime
Minister Singh directed relevant authorities to accelerate the improvement of
infrastructure such as ports, roads, bridges and industrial parks, as well as
electricity and water supply, in Ennore, Chennai and adjoining areas and to
monitor the progress utilizing the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme
(TNIPP). They welcomed the outcome of the preliminary study conducted by JICA
for a Comprehensive Integrated Master Plan of the region and the signing of the
Terms of Reference (TORs) for the Master Plan for the Chennai-Bengaluru
Industrial Corridor (CBIC). The two Prime Ministers instructed their relevant
authorities to accelerate their efforts to develop the Master Plan by the end
of fiscal year 2014.
14. Noting the importance of
increasing Japanese investment and business in India for economic growth of
both countries, the two Prime Ministers expressed their expectation to advance
cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India and the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan in the framework of
India’s "National Manufacturing Policy” in such areas as industrial human
resource development and business environment improvement. The two Prime
Ministers highly appreciated the achievements of the Visionary Leaders for
Manufacturing (VLFM) programme as a valuable Japanese contribution to the
development of the manufacturing sector in India and welcomed the development
of this programme as the new project ‘Champions of Societal
Manufacturing’(CSM).
15. Prime Minister Singh
noted Japan’s interest in supporting the introduction of high speed railway
system in India. Prime Minister Singh appreciated Japan’s high level of
expertise in designing and implementing High Speed Railway (Shinkansen)
systems. Prime Minister Singh conveyed that India will plan such projects based
on its infrastructure priorities, commercial viability and financial resources
in India. The two Prime Ministers decided that the two sides will co-finance a
joint feasibility study of High Speed Railway system on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
route.
16. The two Prime Ministers,
recognising the importance of upgrading the speed of passenger trains on the
existing Delhi-Mumbai route to 160-200 kmph (Semi-High Speed Railway system),
welcomed the final report of the feasibility study undertaken with Japan’s
cooperation, and confirmed that further consultation between the two countries
would be continued to draw up a road-map.
17. The two Prime Ministers
shared the view that business environment improvement is significant in
enhancing bilateral investment and trade which would drive growth of both
countries. In this connection, the two Prime Ministers expressed their
expectation that both countries would continue to work closely to achieve an
enabling predictability and transparency in terms of business environment
including tax administration which is conducive to India-Japan economic
cooperation and greater flow of investment, technology and services between the
two countries. The
two Prime Ministers welcomed JETRO’s matching activities later this year to
strengthen business partnership and consolidate supply chains between the two
countries.
18. The two Prime Ministers
expressed satisfaction with the successful outcomes of the 5th and
6thIndia-JapanEnergy Dialogue and shared the importance of strengthening energy
cooperation including in areas of renewable energy and energy conservation,
Clean Coal Technologies (CCT), institutional issues as well as transmission and
distribution system in power sector. Confirming to expand LNG cooperation
through LNG Producer-Consumer Conference, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the
progress of a joint study on pricing of LNG the result of which will be
reported at the Conference. Prime Minister Singh expressed interest in
cooperating with Japan in extraction of natural gas from methane hydrate
deposits under the sea. They reaffirmed the importance of India-Japan Energy
Forum to be held in India in September 2013 by JETRO, NEDO and TERI, including
an exhibition to showcase Japanese technology in energy sector.
19. The two Prime Ministers
appreciated the steady progress made in enhancing trade in high technology for
mutual benefit and directed their relevant organizations to bring the dialogue
in this field to a successful outcome.
20. The two Prime Ministers
reaffirmed the importance of civil nuclear cooperation between the two
countries, while recognizing that nuclear safety is a priority for both
Governments. In this context, they directed their officials to accelerate the
negotiations of an Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear
Energy towards an early conclusion.
21. The two Prime Ministers
welcomed the signing of the Memorandum between the Department of Atomic Energy
of India and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan on
cooperation in rare earths industry in India. The two Prime Ministers shared
the view that the commencement of commercial production of rare earths by
Indian and Japanese enterprises should take place at the earliest.
22. The two Prime Ministers
noted the importance of cooperation in the field of science and technology for
development of national economies and improvement of socio-economic standards
of life. They welcomed the progress made under Agreement between the Government
of Japan and the Government of India on Co-operation in the Field of Science
and Technology and noted with satisfaction the implementation of various science
and technology activities. The two Prime Ministers also welcomed the steps
being taken by both sides to further enhance science and technology cooperation
between the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and
Technology of India and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and
Technology (MEXT) of Japan. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the progress made
so far in information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics sectors,
including Ministerial level interaction resulting in creation of Japan Help
Desk for facilitating cooperation in Electronic system Design and
Manufacturing. They shared the common view to further enhance business tie-ups
in private sectors and cooperation in cyber security as well as promotion of
joint research and development (R&D) and bilateral cooperation in
international standardization in the information and communications technology.
Prime Minister Singh expressed hope to further enhance opportunities for
Japanese industries in Electronic System Design and Manufacturing and Telecommunications
in India and business opportunities for Indian ICT companies in Japan.
23. The two Prime Ministers
reaffirmed their resolve to further promote people-to-people exchanges between
the two countries, particularly youth exchange. In this connection, Prime
Minister Abe expressed Japan's intention to invite approximately 1,200 youth
from India to visit Japan through JENESYS 2.0 in order to promote interest
towards Japan among the youth of India and to promote tourism between the two
countries. Noting that there is a very high potential for growth of tourism
traffic between the two countries, the two Prime Ministers underlined the
importance of enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector and welcomed the
recent progress concerning the bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism
between the Ministry of Tourism of India and the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. The two Prime Ministers also
welcomed recent measures taken by the two countries respectively relating to
residence permits which would further enhance business and professional
exchanges. Prime Minister Abe appreciated India’s ‘visa on arrival’ scheme for
Japanese tourists which would facilitate tourism from Japan to India.
24. The two Prime Ministers
reconfirmed the importance of educational cooperation between the two
countries. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at progress of
cooperation for the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) and the
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing in
Jabalpur (IIITDM-J) with Japanese support. Prime Minister Singh appreciated Japan’s
intention to contribute to Nalanda University including through the yen loan
for the improvement of road access to the University, as well as its support for
Peace Studies in the University.
25. The two Prime Ministers
noted on-going discussions on cooperation in urban development in the framework
of the bilateral Joint Working Group, which is one of the important areas of
bilateral cooperation in view of increasing urbanization in India.
26. The two Prime Ministers
reiterated the commitment of India and Japan to the freedom of navigation and
unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, including the
1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They noted
ongoing bilateral exchanges on maritime security including counter-piracy
activities, participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as
sharing of information, and in this context, welcomed the joint exercises between
the Coast Guards of India and Japan held off Chennai in January 2012 and in
Tokyo Bay in November 2012. They expressed their expectations to further
promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation on maritime issues.
27. The two Prime Ministers
reaffirmed their support for the East Asia Summit (EAS) as a forum for dialogue
on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and
concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in
East Asia. They acknowledged the significant role the EAS can play as a forum
for building an open, inclusive and transparent architecture of regional
cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The two Prime Ministers noted the
importance of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defence Ministers
Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) along with the EAS in this regard. They welcomed the
successful first meeting of the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum. The two Prime
Ministers shared the importance of economic integration in the region and
welcomed the holding of the first EAS Economic Ministers’ Meeting as well as
the launch of negotiations on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP), followed by the successful first round of negotiations held in May 2013
in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. They also confirmed the 6th EAS
Declaration on ASEAN Connectivity that includes consideration be given to the
"Connectivity Master Plan Plus” in the future anticipating the Economic
Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to provide useful inputs towards
this.
28. The two Prime Ministers
renewed their intention to assist Afghanistan’s efforts to become a stable,
democratic and pluralistic state, adhering to rule of law. They welcomed the
outcomes of the successful Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan in July
2012fordevelopment and security assistance from Transition to Transformation
Decade. Recognising that the main threat to Afghanistan’s security and
stability is terrorism, they emphasized the need for joint and concerted
efforts and cooperation among regional and other countries to address the
challenge of terrorism. The two Prime Ministers supported the efforts made by
the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for reconciliation
process that is Afghan-led, inclusive and transparent.
29. The two Prime Ministers
expressed concern over North Korea’s continued development of its nuclear
weapons and ballistic missile programmes, including its uranium enrichment
activities. They urged North Korea to fully comply with its obligations under
all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and its commitments
under the 2005 Six Party Talks Joint Statement. They reiterated the importance
of full implementation of the Resolutions by the international community. They
urged that the abductions issue be resolved at the earliest as a humanitarian
concern.
30. The two Prime Ministers condemned
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever
and for whatever purpose. They reiterated that no cause or grievance justifies
terrorism, and the need to adopt a holistic approach that ensures zero
tolerance towards terrorism. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at
the meetings of the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism and
their cooperation in multilateral fora. They recognize the need to finalize and
adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United
Nations.
31. The two Prime Ministers
reaffirmed their shared commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
Prime Minister Abe stressed the importance of bringing into force the
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) at an early date. Prime Minister
Singh reiterated India’s commitment to its unilateral and voluntary moratorium
on nuclear explosive testing. The two Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their
commitment to working together for immediate commencement and an early
conclusion of negotiations on a non-discriminatory, multilateral and
internationally and effectively verifiable Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
(FMCT). They also supported the strengthening of international cooperation to
address the challenges of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism. The two
Prime Ministers recognised the importance of an effective national export
control system conforming to the highest international standards. Prime
Minister Abe recognized India’s sound non-proliferation record. Both sides
expressed their commitment to continue to work to prepare the ground for India
to become a full member in the international export control regimes: the Nuclear
Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group and
the Wassenaar Arrangement.
32. The two Prime Ministers
welcomed the outcome of the 18th Conference of the Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Doha in December
2012 and emphasized the need for all Parties in UNFCCC to work together in an
open, transparent and inclusive manner for enhanced action under the Durban
Platform. The two Prime Ministers stressed the need to strengthen bilateral and
regional cooperation to promote sustainable development and environmentally
friendly technologies including in actions for GHG emissions reductions,
promotion of low-carbon technology, products and services, and welcomed the
outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012
as reflected in "The Future We Want”, in particular, political commitment
including the reaffirmation of the Rio principle made towards sustainable
development and poverty eradication. Prime Minister Abe congratulated India on
the successful outcome of the 11thmeeting of the Conference of the Parties to
the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP11) held in
Hyderabad in October 2012, which was an important step toward achievement of
Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The two leaders expressed their hope that the
post-2015 development agenda will be focused on development, economic growth
and poverty eradication and that the relevant intergovernmental process under
the United Nations on this issue will finalize a balanced, equitable and
pragmatic outcome.
33. The two Prime Ministers
reemphasized their resolve to work towards early reform of the United Nations,
including the expansion of the United Nations Security Council in both
permanent and non-permanent categories, particularly through the efforts of the
G-4 so as to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. They confirmed that
such reforms were necessary to make the Security Council more representative,
effective, credible and responsive to the needs of its wider membership. They
concurred in continuing to take an active part in the inter-governmental
negotiations in the United Nations General Assembly supporting the Chair to
achieve meaningful progress. In this regard, they also decided to strengthen
their bilateral cooperation and consultation with other Member States. They
decided to hold the 1stIndia-Japan Consultation on UN Issues, including United
Nations Security Council reform, soon and confirmed to hold regular
consultations twice a year, to further enhance cooperation between the two
countries.
34. Prime Minister Singh
expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality of Prime
Minister Abe and the Government of Japan. Prime Minister Singh extended an
invitation to Prime Minister Abe for the next Annual Bilateral Summit in India
at a mutually convenient date to be decided through diplomatic channels. Prime
Minister Abe accepted the invitation with pleasure.
Tokyo
May 29, 2013
May 29, 2013
Dr. Manmohan
Singh Mr. Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister
of the Republic of India Prime Minister of Japan
