Japan, India Ink Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation Deal

“It is shining symbol of a new level of mutual confidence and strategic partnership in the cause of a peaceful and secure world”, Modi said.

The two countries also agreed to explore future projects on defence technology transfer, including on Japanese-made US-2 amphibian aircraft.

The MoU was inked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

Japan and China have been competing head-to-head in several countries in Asia, including Thailand, for the opportunity to export their railway technology.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, poses with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe for photographers before their meeting, in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015.

The Indian prime minister said Japan’s decisive role in India’s economic transformation will matter the most in realising its economic dreams.

Recalling Japan conrtibution in many key economic turning points in India like Maruti auto and the DFC (Dedicated Freight Corridor), Modi said for the first time Japan will import cars from India.

Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also agreed a long-mooted memorandum of understanding on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which has not yet been signed as technical details are still being finalized, a spokesman for India’s foreign ministry said on Twitter.

Modi said he knew the significance of the civil nuclear agreement for Japan and assured that India will honour its shared commitments.

Addressing the business leaders of Japan and India, he said India needs not just high speed train, but high speed growth as well.

After the talks, Modi also announced that “Recognising our special relationship, India will extend “visa on arrival” to all Japanese citizens from 1st March 2016″.

Welcoming Abe, Modi described him as a “phenomenal leader” and said his trip will further deepen the bilateral relations.

“In September 2014 in Tokyo, Prime Minister Abe spoke of $35 billion of Japanese finance and investments for India over five years”, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a news conference with Abe. “Policy decision, effective implementation, states on board these are some of the steps we have taken and the results are visible”, Prime Minister Modi added.