India and Japan: News and Discussion

Cosmo_R · Post by **Cosmo_R** » 02 Sep 2014 05:09

^^^
"In terms of sophistication, safety, and reliability of design, past U.S. weapons programs provide a legacy of world leadership in SAFF and related technology. France and the UK follow closely in overall SAFF design and may actually hold slight leads in specific component technologies. SAFF technologies of other nuclear powers —- notably Russia and China -— do not compare. Japan and Germany have technological capabilities roughly on a par with the United States, UK, and France, and doubtless have the capability to design and build nuclear SAFF subsystems. "

http://fas.org/nuke/intro/nuke/design.htm

They don't need us nor do the SOKO. And even if they did, we should not be proliferating. We become targets ourselves for their actions.

member_22733 · Post by **member_22733** » 02 Sep 2014 05:39

I only claimed that 3 months is a little too soon for anyone not having a reliable weapon to design and create one from scratch. Having enough know how to achieve SAFF capability is one thing, implementing and testing is another.

I do agree with the rest though, they would not need us.

I wish that sometime in the future we would not need them for technology as well, but that is a distant dream and OT here.

RoyG · Post by **RoyG** » 02 Sep 2014 05:48

If we test within the decade and our thermonuke is successful they could certainly benefit from the data and they would be appreciative. You could run a million simulations but nothing beats a test. Moreover, where would they test? It's probably more viable to test in the thar vs some island in close proximity to China.

Vadivel · Post by **Vadivel** » 02 Sep 2014 07:43

I suggest that everybody take this hindi-japani bhai bhai with a dose of reality.

The Japanese are very risk averse, and would like to maintain the status quo as far as possible. The speed of co-operation will be in different gears between india and japan which might be cause for concern. The decisions making in a japan institutions is very slow, albeit even slower than Indian. The group decisions style of the japanese is, where everyone is heard and convinced(to the extent possible) of the consequence of the decision.

Key decisions are definitely taken at group level which is a very time consuming process, will frustrate the Indian policy makers or intermediaries. Also PM Abe should not be compared with PM Modi in respect of the power each hold. PM Abe in my view has lesser discretionary powers than PM Modi.

So even if Modi is well received in Japan and has a good "working relationship"<-(this is important in japan for some reason "working relationship") there is lot of other things that PM Abe needs to overcome before something fruitful comes to the table.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 02 Sep 2014 07:47

Japanese are slow in decisionmaking, not execution. That is a function of a culture that seeks consensus. Once consensus is achieved, they expect to be able to implement without any subsequent hurdles, since they consider that consensus has been achieved and no hurdles can appear. Indian process is distinct, in the sense that we don't necessarily take into account consensus-making, and even if one is achieved, there is potential for later backtracking for expedient reasons, without any notion of shame or loss of face. In Japanese system, a component of the consensus who later backs out, has to explain himself because of the loss of face his action entails, in causing inconvenience to everyone with whom he previously agreed upon something.

Neshant · Post by **Neshant** » 02 Sep 2014 08:04

What India needs from Japan is not a bullet train but joint ventures in R&D and production of high tech goods. We need serious help setting up a supply chain around which high tech industries can be built. We don't want to just be consumers of their products - which these days every western country is eager to sell to India.

The best place to start on an equal footing is the defence R&D arena. Unless there is cooperation in this area, we are just wasting our time with them.

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 02 Sep 2014 08:05

Manny wrote:Japan’s defeat of Christianity & Lessons for Hindus

http://vajrin.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/ ... or-hindus/

Incidentally I was in Kyoto last week and returned the day before. . I visited both the temples Modi Ji visited.

Good link. Strongly suggests that Japan would definitely not be in the dominant position it is today had it not been for their foresight in keeping Christianity at bay.

Modi has chosen his future strategic partner very wisely.

Vadivel · Post by **Vadivel** » 02 Sep 2014 08:17

Thats right, execution is fast and smooth once a decision is taken, my focus was on the decision making itself which is very time consuming and frustrating from Indian point of view. And it will be opposite for the Japanese, the decision making is faster than them for us, while execution is very slow or a different outcome than agreed on.

The amount of information to take a decision know and unknown varies for each party. Japanese culturally are very detailed oriented while we are not. They expect all the plans to be drawn to the smallest detail as possible (which to a certain extent they themselves agree cannot be controlled), but still insist on it. While culturally we can go ahead reasonably detailed plan, that is not the same case with Japanese, their expectation is different.

Also if there is no consensus or a not reaching a consensus is sensed, the decision itself is put off even after lot of work being spent. They give more weight age to harmony than the decision itself.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 02 Sep 2014 08:22

Frankly I prefer the Japanese style more. At least they do execute, very effectively. They found a strategy that synthesizes their cultural proclivities with the imperative to execute efficiently. We're masters at starting off with much bluster and then making a mess of execution. Modi's administrations have been a rare exception to this general malaise. I think the two governments will work together well, but it necessarily needs someone like Modi at the helm to sort out our weaknesses at execution. Right now the main issue is not Japanese decisionmaking slowness, but our own inability to execute without proper planning, and inefficient distractions.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 02 Sep 2014 09:37

rhytha wrote:Also if there is no consensus or a not reaching a consensus is sensed, the decision itself is put off even after lot of work being spent. They give more weight age to harmony than the decision itself.

Absolutely true. Many a time, their decisions are slowed down because of this.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 02 Sep 2014 10:05

It's quite possible that the level of urgency - or the lack of it - in working with the Indian side is a direct result of the low level of importance they accord to investing here. Historically, there's no significant Japanese investment here, like the Koreans have made. They usually came in late, without much localization, while the Koreans spent time and effort to learn our habits. There have been notable examples, but generally Japanese investment in India has been a tale of could have beens. On the other hand, their investments elsewhere have followed a template of deliberation, followed by swift implementation. It was also characterized by those nations being willing to accord the Japanese the swift clearances they sought, and otherwise streamlined procedures.

Fundamentally the Indian system is hard to work with the Japanese system, when it comes to decisionmaking and execution. It leads to them not bothering to try much. However, I think, with Modi at the helm, we've a leader who understands both how they work, and values their sizeable capital base for investment in India, and is willing to provide them the same streamlined investment channels to India. This explains the new PMO office for Japanese investment, and his hardsell there. In that regard I feel the past is not necessarily a basis for the future potential of Indo-Japanese ties, primarily because of Modi's own manner of working, his personal interest in that country, and his interest in deepening political and economic ties with them.

anmol · Post by **anmol** » 02 Sep 2014 10:25

Modi-Abe intimacy brings scant comfort
globaltimes.cn
September 2nd 2014 12:53 AM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) chats with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a signing ceremony at Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo on Monday. Photo: AFP

During his ongoing state visit to Japan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made some remarks on Monday that could easily be highlighted and hyped up by media outlets. As an example, he said that Japan and India should strengthen strategic cooperation to promote peace and prosperity in Asia and meanwhile counter an expansionist mind-set.

"Everywhere around us, we see an 18th century expansionist mind-set: encroaching on another country, intruding in others' waters, invading other countries and capturing territory," Modi said in a speech to business leaders in Tokyo.

Japanese and Western public opinion views his remarks as a clear reference to China, although he did not mention China by name.

This interpretation made some sense because Modi is more intimate to Tokyo emotionally. Therefore it is perhaps a fact that he embraces some nationalist sentiments against China.

But the rationality, policy and strategy of a big country are shaped by its national interests. As a defender of India's national interests, Modi is predicted to make some remarks suitable for media hype, but he has avoided naming China directly.

China's GDP is five times that of India's. Mutual trust between Beijing and New Delhi, facing strategic pressure from the north, is difficult to build as there is also an unresolved border conflict between the two.

But India has proved it is a rational country, displaying an independent foreign policy and loathing being an appendix of any particular power. Plus, India cherishes peace. The consensus between China and India has become stronger over not letting border issues shadow a bilateral relationship. The positive India-China relationship has also created conditions for rapport between India and Pakistan.

The increasing intimacy between Tokyo and New Delhi will bring at most psychological comfort to the two countries. What is involved in China-India relations denotes much more than the display of the blossoming personal friendship between Modi and Abe. After all, Japan is located far from India. Abe's harangue on the Indo-Pacific concept makes Indians comfortable. It is South Asia where New Delhi has to make its presence felt. However, China is a neighbor it can't move away from. Sino-Indian ties can in no way be counterbalanced by the Japan-India friendship.

Both as new emerging countries and members of BRICS, China and India have plenty of interests in common. Geopolitical competition is not the most important thing for the two countries, at least at present.

China-India relations are stable. Chinese President will pay a state visit to India later this month and the only country Chinese leaders won't visit in the near future is Japan. If Japan attempts to form a united front centered on India, it will be a crazy fantasy generated by Tokyo's anxiety of facing a rising Beijing.

Vadivel · Post by **Vadivel** » 02 Sep 2014 10:31

Suraj wrote:primarily because of Modi's own manner of working, his personal interest in that country, and his interest in deepening political and economic ties with them.

Which is precisely my point, the work and power equations are not equal between PM Modi and PM Abe, even if PM Abe has a personal interest and desire's to deepen political and economic with India are clearly spelt out by his government exists, its still up-hill task because of their consensus based decision making style and will be below the expected out comes that we expect is my understanding.

The amount of power that PM Modi can exalt over the indian bureaucracy and other institutions is simply not present with regard to Japanese PM.

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 02 Sep 2014 10:40

anmol wrote:
Both as new emerging countries and members of BRICS, China and India have plenty of interests in common. Geopolitical competition is not the most important thing for the two countries, at least at present.

China-India relations are stable. Chinese President will pay a state visit to India later this month and the only country Chinese leaders won't visit in the near future is Japan.

The Chinese analysis is not far off the mark. I doubt Modi is looking to enter into any Japan-India-US axis against China. More likely - his visions is to stimulate a coming together of the three Asian giants - China, India and Japan that would revert the world to its traditional order with South and East Asia dominating. India would probably need to play the bridge between the other two.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 02 Sep 2014 10:46

I don't claim to know much about Japanese political machinery. On paper, Abe has an even bigger legislative mandate than Modi does. But their legislative stability has historically been poor, with the kind of revolving door PMs who would make our politics seem the epitome of stability.

anandsgh · Post by **anandsgh** » 02 Sep 2014 10:58

Guddu wrote:
Rony wrote:Mukesh Ambani drops out of PM's delegation to Japan

the reason for this has not been analyzed, I think Mukesh MAY have got the message that Reliance is not likely to be the main partner in the bullet train venture, considering they made the mumbai metro ?

I believe, Mumbai Metro is made by ADAG, Anil Ambani group.

Vadivel · Post by **Vadivel** » 02 Sep 2014 12:07

Suraj wrote:I don't claim to know much about Japanese political machinery. On paper, Abe has an even bigger legislative mandate than Modi does. But their legislative stability has historically been poor, with the kind of revolving door PMs who would make our politics seem the epitome of stability.

Neither do I. Anyway for little in-depth, take a look at these.

Aoki key to naming Obuchi to LDP post
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001537182

Also i think this could be a blue print for Indo-Japanese co-operation.

Framework for India-Japan Strategic Partnership & Cooperationー Joint VIF-JINF Study

　　　The Japan Institute for National Fundamentals (JINF) and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) of India made public a joint study report entitled “Framework for Indo-Japanese Strategic Partnership and Cooperation” on May 21 .
The report concludes two major democracies of India and Japan should deepen cooperation in the fields of security, industry and international politics, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the region at a time when China enhances its self-righteous approach and causes frictions with other Asian countries.
　　　The JINF, a Tokyo-based think tank headed by Ms.Yoshiko Sakurai, had been conducting joint research over the past two years with its Indian counterpart, VIF headquartered in New Delhi.. Mr Ajit Doval, former director of Indian Government’s intelligence bureau, is director of the VIF.
　　　Publication of the report was made at the multipurpose hall of the House of Representatives’ First Dietmen Office Building where members of the ruling Liberal-Democratic Party and opposition parties, researchers and journalists were present. Also present as a special guest was Indian Ambassador Ms Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa who addressed on the occasion that she expected politicians of the two countries would fully utilize proposals of the joint study and that bilateral exchanges of people would be further promoted.

http://en.jinf.jp/suggestion/archives/2185
http://en.jinf.jp/wp-content/uploads/20 ... mbined.pdf

panduranghari · Post by **panduranghari** » 02 Sep 2014 13:00

rhytha wrote:I suggest that everybody take this hindi-japani bhai bhai with a dose of reality.

The Japanese are very risk averse, and would like to maintain the status quo as far as possible. The speed of co-operation will be in different gears between india and japan which might be cause for concern. The decisions making in a japan institutions is very slow, albeit even slower than Indian. The group decisions style of the japanese is, where everyone is heard and convinced(to the extent possible) of the consequence of the decision.

Key decisions are definitely taken at group level which is a very time consuming process, will frustrate the Indian policy makers or intermediaries. Also PM Abe should not be compared with PM Modi in respect of the power each hold. PM Abe in my view has lesser discretionary powers than PM Modi.

So even if Modi is well received in Japan and has a good "working relationship"<-(this is important in japan for some reason "working relationship") there is lot of other things that PM Abe needs to overcome before something fruitful comes to the table.

I do concur to have a dose of reality every now and again. However, Japan is running out of time. We need Them and They need us. Its as simple as it can be. Past experiences have made them averse to doing business in India. However, the Japanese Debt:GDP ratio is so bad, that unless they make some quick decisions and follow that up with intended action, all the money they think they have will count for nothing.

There was a time when Japan was doing what China is doing right now. That phase has passed and will not come back unless they take India with them. They don't trust Americans will ever consider them as equal partners. There is more than enough chance that even if India grows and dwarves Japanese economy, we will never treat them (as we never would anyone) with contempt. Its not an Indic trait.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 02 Sep 2014 13:31

Arjun wrote:The Chinese analysis is not far off the mark. I doubt Modi is looking to enter into any Japan-India-US axis against China. More likely - his visions is to stimulate a coming together of the three Asian giants - China, India and Japan that would revert the world to its traditional order with South and East Asia dominating. India would probably need to play the bridge between the other two.

It is up to China to really make that analysis come true. Right now, it is not possible. China & Japan cannot 'come together' anytime soon. In fact, there is a potential for a nasty conflict between the two of them, especially with the reckless and dangerous provocations from PRC. Of course, India and China cannot also come together for reasons we obviously know. So, only the two of the three Asian giants can come together and those two are the pacific democracies. Modi is right when he talks of irredentism on the part of China. The dream of India(why should we refer ourselves by the artificial construct South Asia?) & East Asia dominating the world can be still achieved but without PRC.

Manish_Sharma · Post by **Manish_Sharma** » 02 Sep 2014 15:14

Bhagwan Ganesh in 8th century japanese temple:

https://www.facebook.com/drsubramanians ... =1&theater

Kureel's masterpiece, has drawn Pak in a perfect way:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 02 Sep 2014 15:53

SSridhar wrote:It is up to China to really make that analysis come true. Right now, it is not possible. China & Japan cannot 'come together' anytime soon. In fact, there is a potential for a nasty conflict between the two of them, especially with the reckless and dangerous provocations from PRC. Of course, India and China cannot also come together for reasons we obviously know. So, only the two of the three Asian giants can come together and those two are the pacific democracies. Modi is right when he talks of irredentism on the part of China. The dream of India(why should we refer ourselves by the artificial construct South Asia?) & East Asia dominating the world can be still achieved but without PRC.

Yes, much depends on the maturity that China displays. The signs so far based on their behavior with Japan are not the most encouraging.

And yet, I am wondering if Modi can find a way to emphasize and bring to the fore civilizational commonalities that bind the three. These three are not just the top three economies of Asia - they also happen to be the top three non-Western (read non-Christian) economies. These are the three leading countries with populations that largely follow inclusivist faiths. They are today led by nationalist leaders who give primacy to their traditional religions (Abe with Shinto & Buddhism, Modi with Indic religions & Xi Jinping with Buddhism/Taoism). The three face economic competition from the West, pesky missionaries encroaching on their inclusivist faiths and Security / terrorism challenges from the Islamic world. A bloc that takes on the West economically & socially, while addressing the scourge of Islamic militancy would be a huge net positive for the world. Hopefully the Chinese are smart enough to see the world in the same light.

member_28714 · Post by **member_28714** » 02 Sep 2014 15:55

Arjun wrote:
SSridhar wrote:It is up to China to really make that analysis come true. Right now, it is not possible. China & Japan cannot 'come together' anytime soon. In fact, there is a potential for a nasty conflict between the two of them, especially with the reckless and dangerous provocations from PRC. Of course, India and China cannot also come together for reasons we obviously know. So, only the two of the three Asian giants can come together and those two are the pacific democracies. Modi is right when he talks of irredentism on the part of China. The dream of India(why should we refer ourselves by the artificial construct South Asia?) & East Asia dominating the world can be still achieved but without PRC.
Yes, much depends on the maturity that China displays. The signs so far based on their behavior with Japan is not the most encouraging.

And yet, I am wondering if Modi can find a way to emphasize and bring to the fore civilizational commonalities that bind the three. These three are not just the top three economies of Asia - they also happen to be the top three non-Western (read non-Christian) economies. These are the three leading countries with populations that largely follow inclusivist faiths. They are today led by nationalist leaders who give primacy to their traditional religions (Abe with Shinto & Buddhism, Modi with Indic religions & Xi Jinping with Buddhism/Taoism). The three face economic competition from the West, pesky missionaries encroaching on their inclusivist faiths and Security / terrorism challenges from the Islamic world. A bloc that takes on the West economically & socially, while addressing the scourge of Islamic militancy would be a huge net positive for the world. Hopefully the Chinese are smart enough to see the world in the same light.

Khan has Jaapan on a leash. No chance of Ind-Chn-Jpn anything happenning as long as Okinawa is a US base.

Manny · Post by **Manny** » 02 Sep 2014 16:11

Although good relations with Japan and other countries would help India, nothing could help India better than India/(Indians) themselves.

Gujarat alone contributes to 25% of India's foreign trade... If the rest of the laggards of India get off their ass and do something then India would improve..But if the rest of India continues to listen to its "Intellectual" commies and their "sick-ularism", India cannot improve.

Its very difficult to defeat the anti Hindus in India who are determined to harm Inida. Its an uphill battle for sure.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 02 Sep 2014 16:36

http://time.com/3255880/japan-india-nar ... ade-china/

Why India’s Modi and Japan’s Abe Need Each Other — Badly

Cuddly is not an adjective that comes to mind when describing the prime ministers of either Japan or India. Shinzo Abe, like most Japanese politicians, often appears overly formal, while Narendra Modi has a reputation for being demanding and stern. But apparently the two feel warm and fuzzy about each other. Abe made the unusual gesture of welcoming Modi on his five-day official visit to Japan with an uncharacteristic hug. After that, the duo chatted over an informal dinner and strolled through a temple in the historic cultural center of Kyoto.

The leaders of Asia’s two most prominent democracies have good reasons to cozy up. Greater cooperation between India and Japan could prove critical in helping Abe and Modi achieve their economic goals at home and their strategic aims in the region — which means countering an aggressive China. That’s why the two have gushed about the importance of the India-Japan relationship. Modi said in a statement that his visit would “write a new chapter” in relations, while Abe in a Monday press conference said that their bilateral ties have the “most potential in the world.”

They have a lot of catching up to do. For economies of such size — Japan and India are the second and third largest in Asia, respectively — their exchange is still relatively small. Trade between the two reached only $15.8 billion in 2013 — a mere quarter of India’s trade with China. Japanese direct investment into India totaled $21 billion between 2007 and 2013, making Japan an extremely important investor for the country. But recently, the inflows have tapered off amid India’s economic slowdown. Over the past three years, Japanese firms have invested more in Vietnam and Indonesia than India.

That may be about to change. The fact is that the economic interests of the two nations dovetail nicely. Modi is looking to restart India’s slumbering economic growth by upgrading its woeful infrastructure, strengthening its manufacturing base and constructing a network of new “smart” cities across the nation — all of which Japanese money, technology and investment can help make a reality. Abe on Monday pledged $33 billion of financing and investment for India from public and private sources over the next five years. “Japanese trade and investment ties with India are set to strengthen significantly over the next decade and beyond,” Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific Chief Economist for consulting firm IHS, predicted in a recent report..

Meanwhile, Abe is trying to jumpstart a Japanese economy that has been stalled for two decades, and badly needs new sources of exports and revenue for ailing Japan Inc. India, with its 1.2 billion increasingly wealthy consumers and bottomless investment opportunities, can provide just what Japan requires. That is especially the case due to Tokyo’s souring relations with that other Asian giant, China. As tensions have risen over disputed islands in the East China Sea, investment and trade between China and Japan has deteriorated.

China is pressing Tokyo and New Delhi closer together for other reasons as well. Abe is trying to forge ties with countries across the region to contain a rising and increasingly assertive China. Meanwhile, Modi, who has his own territorial disputes with Beijing on India’s borders in the far east and north, is aiming to enhance the country’s military capabilities. Much of a joint declaration signed by the prime ministers dealt with strategic cooperation. The two pledged to “upgrade and strengthen” their partnership in defense by regularizing joint maritime exercises and collaborating on military technology.

China wasn’t specifically mentioned in the declaration, but which country Abe and Modi have in mind is no secret. Modi, in fact, took a clear swipe at Beijing in a speech to businessmen on Monday. “Everywhere around us, we see an 18th-century expansionist mind-set: encroaching on another country, intruding in others’ waters, invading other countries and capturing territory,” Modi said.

None of this has gone unnoticed in the Middle Kingdom. An editorial in the state-run Global Times written in response to Modi’s comments attempted to downplay the friendly Abe-Modi summit. “The increasing intimacy between Tokyo and New Delhi will bring at most psychological comfort to the two countries,” the newspaper contended. “If Japan attempts to form a united front centered on India, it will be a crazy fantasy generated by Tokyo’s anxiety of facing a rising Beijing.”

Whether closer India-Japan ties are a fantasy will become apparent quickly. China’s President Xi Jinping is due to visit Modi in India later in September. Let’s see if he gets a hug.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 02 Sep 2014 19:14

Let's take a reality check on Indo-Japanese relations.The much touted defence cooperation pales into insignificance when compared with what we have with Russia,Israel,EU nations and even the US with its strict tech transfer conditions.For historical reasons,Russia still remains the bedrock of our defence and the highest priority must be given to Indo-Russian relations as we have no political or diplomatic axe to grind with them whatsoever.Whatever key defence tech we want from Russia ,we are given it,tech which no other nation on the planet is willing to part with such as N-sub tech ,N-subs,advanced missiles like BMos,Sukhoi MKIs,5th-gen FGFA,etc. Moreover,these weapon systems do not come with strings. Whatever problems we have had with support,spares,etc. was a hangover of the demise of the USSR. That is now being remedied in large part today with many support entities being set up in India for MRO of Russian systems.These are also available at cheaper costs than acquiring the same from the West.

Nevertheless,the breakthrough in Indo-Japanese relations is very welcome.I personally cheer from the gallery having worked very harmoniously with Japanese,and the real significance of the summit is that Mr.Modi can return home with much Japanese promises of investment to show shortly afterwards to the visiting Chinaman,that the $50B trade deficit with China had better be squared or we can put the squeeze on Chinese goods entering India.The Japanese have also been given the opportunity to show the world and Asia in particular,that whatever the Chinese can do they can do better!

Mr.Modi will now greet his Chinese guest with a greater sense of strength in talking Beijing Duck with his guest. later on in the year,after his visit to the US,when the Russian pres. arrives in Dec.,the full thrust of the new Indian foreign policy under Mr.Modi will be revealed in better light.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 02 Sep 2014 21:58

American view of India-Japan:
http://blogs.cfr.org/asia/2014/09/02/ja ... -to-india/

In his five-day visit this week, Narendra Modi has made Japan’s pivot to India even more enticing – and far more likely to succeed.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 03 Sep 2014 07:20

Two Japanese in PMO’s team to coordinate among ministries to cut down on red-tapism

Narendra Modi's unprecedented announcement to create a special management team under the PMO and include two nominees from Japan in that cell to facilitate Tokyo's investment proposals isn't without a reason.

For, as a mechanism in the PMO to assist investments from the East Asian country in the UPA regime, it didn't yield much in the last few years. Former Principal Secretary to Manmohan Singh and later his adviser, TKA Nair, was the point person for facilitating Japanese investments to India since 2006, sources told ET.

However, this mechanism didn't yield results during the last few years due to policy paralysis {There can be also other reasons such as local politics. For example, in Chennai, the Maduravoyal-Chennai Port Expressway was discarded by Ms. Jayalalitha citing a frivolous and non-existent reason just because the project was started by her arch-enemy Karunanidhi. In spite of the PMO's pointman, Mr. Nair's intervention, nothing could be done. The NHAI withdrew from the project after a huge investment. The pillars are a mute testimony to this mindless and self-defeating political game. People like Ms. Amma can take very whimsical decisions that affect the entire country. The Ennore-Manali Expressway has also been stuck up for years now for solvable reasons. This was another port-access project that the Japanese were directly interested in. Nair again intervened several times. The Shipping Minister Vasan was also very keen. But, no go. This is the wretched state of governance in our country.} Subsequently, in the initial days of the Modi government, the Japanese government found it difficult to move their proposals and suggestions in the absence of a point person in the PMO, sources revealed.

"PM Modi's announcement for a special team may have taken all by surprise, but was made under these circumstances," a source versed with the developments told ET.

There have been similar efforts in the past to facilitate Japanese investment into India. "In the days of Rajiv Gandhi, it was decided that the PM will personally monitor investments from Japan and Germany. Both have been steadfast development partners of India," former media adviser to Rajiv Gandhi and India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan and Australia, G Parthasarathy, told ET.

Sources recalled the Ministry of Commerce had a mechanism to facilitate Japanese investments in India: this was initially managed by junior officials and later upgraded to the joint secretary level.

Then it was upgraded to the PMO level since 2006 as it was felt that push and drive should come from the top. This was done to not only facilitate and expedite Japan's investment proposals but also for better coordination among finance, commerce and other aligned ministries, sources pointed out.

The scale of Japanese FDI as well as support for various infrastructure projects in India has been on an upward trajectory over the past decade, and now Modi wants to raise it to the next level following his deep personal commitment towards this relationship with Japan, sources claimed.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 03 Sep 2014 11:34

A new Sunrise - Editorial, The Hindu

India and Japan have enjoyed the best of relations over the decades. Yet, their trade and economic partnership has, strangely, been under-performing, belying the promise and potential. Bilateral trade at $16.29 billion in 2013-14 accounted for just 2.13 per cent of India’s total trade and barely 1 per cent of Japan’s. The low-profile trade relationship is especially disappointing considering how much Japan has to offer in terms of investment and technology, and how much India needs both. India may be one of the largest recipients of Japanese ODA (Official Development Assistance), but when it comes to foreign direct investment (FDI), it ranks low, well behind China. Between April 2000 and February 2014, Japanese companies cumulatively invested $15.97 billion in India, accounting for just 7.46 per cent of total FDI inflows into India, which in a way epitomises the state of the economic relationship between the second and third largest economies of Asia. All this could change for the better, post-Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan, which seems to have breathed new life into economic relations. Japan has said it would invest 3.5 trillion yen ($33.5 billion) in India in the next five years in the sectors of infrastructure, manufacturing, transport and clean energy, and on smart cities, all thrust areas for development for the Modi government.

To be sure, this is not the first time we have seen positive intent in the leadership of the two Asian giants to improve trade and investment. Ever since India liberalised in the early 1990s, there has been steady interest among Japanese companies and investors — but they have often been frustrated by complicated procedures and cumbersome processes. Actually, Japanese companies willingly ceded market space in India to competitors from South Korea and China rather than deal with the red tape. It is in this context that Mr. Modi’s promises of “red carpet, not red tape”, and a special track in the Prime Minister’s Office to facilitate Japanese investments, have to be seen. Mr. Modi harped on all the right themes including the three Ds that India can boast of, namely democracy, demography and demand, while making his pitch to Japanese business. With manufacturing costs increasing in China and given the political issues between the two countries, Japanese businesses are looking to diversify, and India presents a good choice with its huge market. New projects such as those for super-fast trains and smart cities are ideal destinations for Japanese investments. The Modi government has to now move quickly to fulfil its promises of easing procedures and facilitating investment to capitalise on the optimism and goodwill generated from what has clearly been a successful visit in economic terms.

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 03 Sep 2014 11:39

http://newsflicks.com/story.php?story_id=1520

Japan's worst 20 years have been India's best. Read full story here bit.ly/1rH6XGS

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 03 Sep 2014 11:45

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx5pvBe5TwQ

Watch from 6:50 min to see the surprise

Power of thalaiva!

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 03 Sep 2014 14:25

After hosting Modi, Abe appoints two China-friendly leaders to key posts

Done hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe picked two veteran lawmakers with friendly ties to China for top party posts on Wednesday.

This was seen as an apparent signal of hope for a thaw in chilly ties with Beijing and a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China had reacted angrily on Tuesday to the Japanese cosying up to Modi, saying that if Japan attempted to form a united front centered on India, it will be “a crazy fantasy generated by Tokyo's anxiety of facing a rising Beijing”.

In a bid for party unity, the hawkish Abe tapped outgoing justice minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, his predecessor as LDP leader, for the key party post of secretary-general, the LDP's de facto election campaign chief.

Tanigaki, 69, is from a moderate wing of the LDP that favours better ties with China.

Veteran lawmaker Toshihiro Nikai, 75, who also has close ties with China, was appointed to a second top party post.

"He is sending a strong message to China that he wants to improve ties," said political analyst Atsuo Ito.

Abe has signalled that he hopes to meet Chinese leader Xi at an Asia-Pacific leaders gathering in Beijing in November.

member_28705 · Post by **member_28705** » 03 Sep 2014 15:53

xposting from Modi Sarkar thread.

An excellent analysis on why India must focus on creating her own lexicon and her own foreign policy strategy.

Modi’s Lexicon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fluent Hindi, through which he engages foreign interlocutors and the rhetorical instinct for catchy phrases, is helping expand India’s diplomatic lexicon. In Kathmandu last month, his play on “Buddha” and “yuddha” captured the essence of the contemporary political dynamic in Nepal. In Tokyo this week, Modi framed an interesting antinomy in Asia: the tension between what he called “vistar vaad” or “expansionism” and “vikas vaad” or peaceful development.

We will get in a minute to the political significance of Modi’s indirect criticism of China’s assertive approach to territorial disputes. Staying with Modi’s vocabulary, the persistent use of new phrases by leaders of major powers shapes international discourse. For example, Chinese leaders over the decades have popularised such terms as “three worlds”, “social imperialism”, “peaceful rise”, “maritime rights” and “active defence”. More recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping has popularised the phrase “a new type of major power relationship”, which even the American strategic community has adopted.

In India, the debate has unfortunately been framed in terms of English versus Hindi. If the PM feels comfortable in Hindi, is confident to speak extempore and is making a big impact, then so be it. The fact, however, is not everyone in India or the world understands Hindi. The PMO and the foreign office, then, must quickly deliver translations of his speeches into English and other Indian languages and ensure their widespread distribution.

Asian Discourse

Some in the East say the rising Asian powers must develop their own concepts for international relations and discard the ones borrowed from the West. That too is a false proposition. Over the last three decades, Chinese scholars have mastered the Western discourse on international relations. Chinese universities and think-tanks today are littered with political science PhDs from the US.

As it engages the Western world on its own terms, Chinese scholarship has also invested a lot of energy in reviving classical Chinese studies on statecraft and diplomacy. There is excitement in Beijing and Shanghai about building a “Chinese school” of international relations. Some of them have sought to inject old Chinese concepts like “Tian Xia” — all under heaven — with contemporary relevance. In New Delhi, Modi and his predecessor, Manmohan Singh, have often recalled the idea of “vasudhaiva kutumbakam” — the entire world is a family — to underline India’s enduring commitment to universalism.

The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in Delhi had initiated a focused effort a couple of years ago to renew the study of Kautilya’s writings and assess their relevance to India’s contemporary foreign policy and national security. Much more, though, remains to be done. Kautilya’s strategic realism is indeed as hard-nosed as any from the West. “The strong do what they can, and the weak endure what they must” is an old Greek proposition. India’s classics have similarly talked about “matsya nyaya” — that big fish eat the small. It is not, therefore, a question of East versus West. India must internalise the dominant Western discourse as well as reclaim strategic thought from the ancient, medieval and pre-Independence periods of our history.

China’s ‘vistar vaad’
Modi’s use of the term “vistar vaad” in Tokyo has got much attention. This indirect criticism of China is unlikely to limit Modi’s warm welcome to Xi, who arrives in India later this month. Nor should it dampen Beijing’s enthusiasm for building a strong partnership with the NDA government.

Before he headed out to Tokyo, Modi was asked about China’s expansionism by a group of Japanese journalists. Modi said in response that China is at the top of India’s foreign policy priorities. “It is my government’s resolve to utilise the full potential of our strategic and cooperative partnership with China.” Modi also hinted that he is eager to settle the boundary dispute with China. “I am keen to work closely with the Chinese leadership to push the relationship forward and deal with all issues in our bilateral relations by proceeding from the strategic perspective of our developmental goals.”

The prime minister is signalling to Xi that the logic of mutually beneficial development provides a sound basis for the resolution of the boundary dispute that continues to hobble bilateral relations. Modi added that “India, Japan and China have many common interests and we need to build on them to convert ours into an Asian century by working together”. Modi’s message, then, is straightforward: only “vikas vaad” will make the Asian century a peaceful and prosperous one.

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinio ... -mohan/99/

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 03 Sep 2014 21:27

http://www.forbes.com/sites/stephenharn ... economics/
A Japan-India Anti-China Alliance? No. This Is About Economics
( Not Great Game But The Greatest Game to Game The Greatest Gamester)

In today’s globally overheated and overloaded “security” dominated news, no international meeting seems to avoid being analyzed in terms of its significance for forging or strengthening “strategic alliances” and dealing with “threats.”Today, Wednesday, September 3, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi wraps up a five day visit to Japan, during which much of the media buzz, both domestically and internationally, including in Forbes.com, has been about a new Japan-India strategic alliance aimed at containing Chinese “expansionism.”Putting such a spin on Modi’s visit is necessary for the Abe government, and for Abe himself. Abe has been tireless in pursuing throughout the Asian region his “Proactive Contributor to Peace” anti-China coalition building strategy. Much more than the Philippines or Vietnam, recruiting India into a coalition would be strategically game-changing.But this will not happen. As much as Modi offered lip service to Abe’s concerns about “expansionism,” and “those with 18th century ideas” who “engage in encroachments and enter the seas” of others, what Modi and India are prepared to do with Japan strategically is hardly apparent.Importantly, Modi declined to reorient India-Japan relations toward security and military cooperation by acquiescing to Abe’s request to adopt the “2+2” format in relations management.The “2+2” format, officially called the Security Consultative Committee, is the core of U.S.-Japan relations. “Two plus two” refers to the two chief representatives, one the top diplomat (the U.S. secretary of state and the Japanese minister of foreign affairs), one the defense chief (the U.S. secretary of defense and the Japanese minister of defense) on each side, who meet and set policy at least annually, and are supported by a permanent secretariat.Under the “2+2” format, the annual agenda inevitably focuses on security and defense issues, with the agenda and policy proposals emanating almost entirely from defense and security agencies. Diplomacy and foreign affairs agencies are left playing largely public relations roles.
In the U.S.-Japan relationship, the “2+2” format has ensured that U.S. policy toward Japan reflects the Pentagon’s priorities and serves to protect the security alliance, forestalling any reconsideration of the presence or purpose of U.S. bases, and generally ensuring that Japanese policies conform to and support American interests, especially security interests.Abe has paid the highest compliment possible to the effectiveness of the “2+2” format by seeking to emulate it as a key pillar with his expansive regional “Proactive Contributor to Peace” doctrine and coalition building strategy, promoting it not just with the Philippines, Vietnam and Australia, but also with Russia. The first Japan-Russia “2+2” meeting was held last November.But if Abe feels that a Japan-India “2+2” format is in Japan’s interest, Modi clearly feels differently about India’s. While the two leaders agreed to regularize joint naval training activities, further expansion of security ties was relegated to “further study.”Modi’s rebuff has historic, political, and economic explanations.India was the first major country to proclaim “non-alignment” during the Cold War, becoming the leader of a “movement” of states that essentially saw no merit in involving themselves in that global power struggle. It is not so different today, from India’s perspective.What Indian vital interests that might be advanced by allying with Japan against China with which it shares a 3000 kilometer border? Press reports refer to Indian concern about safe passage through Indian Ocean sea lanes. All countries in East Asia share this concern, as the Middle Eastern energy supplies vital to their economies transit these waters.We should not think either that China is not extending a warm hand of friendship to Modi. The first telephone call Modi received following his May swearing in was from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang who for 40 minutes conveyed China’s desire to build “robust ties” with his new government.What India wants and needs is economic and technological development.Here there is certainly reason to aggressively pursue every form of cooperation with Japan. For Japan also, India presents probably the most hopeful opportunity for major projects and investments, as well as for trade. However, here Japan is playing catchup to China. India-China trade is currently almost four times that between India and Japan.In a speech in Tokyo to Japanese business leaders, Modi promised them “a red carpet, not red tape” in India. This was an acknowledgement that bureaucracy and restrictive laws and regulations still characterize India’s market. How deft Japanese businesses will be in navigating these barriers, and effective Modi will be in reducing them, remain to be seen.Japan’s globally oriented enterprises are desperately seeking large new markets. For the past 20 years, the market that offered the greatest opportunity was China’s. For political and economic reasons, Japanese companies are finding China an increasingly difficult place to grow.According to JETRO, in 2012 and 2013, Japan-China trade measured in USD declined by 3.3% and 6.5% respectively. In 2013 Japanese direct investment in China totaled USD 9.1 billion, a decline of 32.5% from 2012, while investment in ASEAN countries increased 1.2 fold from USD 10.6 billion to USD 23.6 billion.Can India become for Japan what China became: a new engine of economic growth, enhanced global competitiveness, and profitability? We can hope. What is unlikely, and would not in any case be constructive, is that India lines up with Japan against its neighbor and major current economic partner, China.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 03 Sep 2014 21:32

China media: India-Japan ties
PeePee Longstocking & Olive

Media dismiss speculation that stronger ties between India and Japan pose a threat to China, a day after the two nations' leaders held talks.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-day trip to Japan, spoke about his desire to strengthen Delhi's economic and security ties with Tokyo.Indian papers reported Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave a "warm reception" to Mr Modi on his first visit to the country as prime minister.Some analysts see his visit as an attempt by the two democracies to balance the rising weight of China across Asia.Chinese papers say that the two leaders are "showing off intimacy" as they "dined, fed the fish and toured historical sites" together.The China Daily highlights "Japanese media frenzy" over the "assumption" that both countries are "working on a plan" to contain China. However, it notes that the Chinese Foreign Ministry has "responded coolly" to such reports.Most editorial writers and commentators point out that Mr Modi's trip is mainly about economic ties.
They add that Delhi will not hurt its ties with Beijing because it is "cautious" about the powers of a rising China.Ji Mingkui, an expert on international affairs at National Defence University, says that Mr Modi "deeply understands the importance of co-operating with China"."India is very careful with its China policy. While it is actively developing ties with Japan, it has never given Tokyo a satisfactory response when it comes to containing China… India has stressed that it will not join the alliance to surround or contain China," he writes in the China Net."India understands that economic development is the solution for all problems and to realise the goal of becoming a big nation, it will co-operate with countries including the US and Japan, and it will also strengthen its co-operation with China," says the pundit.
'Crazy fantasy'
The Global Times notes that "the increasing intimacy between Tokyo and Delhi will bring at most psychological comfort to the two countries" and "Sino-Indian ties can in no way be counterbalanced by the Japan-India friendship".The daily says Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India later this month and that Japan is trying to create a "crazy fantasy" of forming a "united front centred on India" ahead of the trip.The Chinese edition of the same editorial, however, adds that China should "have the confidence and will-power when it comes to managing Beijing-Delhi ties"."If Mr Modi's style deviates too much from the Singh administration (previous PM), China will have to exert appropriate pressure on him," the paper suggests.

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 04 Sep 2014 10:08

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s5V5XkpH3U

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi shares a lighter moment with Japanese ceremonial drummers, at the inauguration of the TCS Japan Technology and Cultural Academy, in Tokyo, Japan on September 02, 2014.

member_28705 · Post by **member_28705** » 04 Sep 2014 14:44

This is something Modi-sahab should fix sooner than later.

We don't have an MRA [Mutual Recognition Agreement] with Japan. So Japan doesn't recognize our drugs and our doctors - even though its healthcare costs are escalating [due to TTPA]. And we end up with a trade deficit.

http://www.business-standard.com/articl ... 024_1.html

The much-awaited review of the India-Japan comprehensive economic partnership agreement (Cepa) remains stuck over the issue of giving Indian drug companies more access to the Japanese pharmaceutical market. This is even as India has raised the issue of soaring trade deficit with Japan during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to that country.

Modi's Japan visit, from August 30 to September 3, was expected to yield some far-reaching results for India's business community and traders at large. But the talks to expand Cepa - at least insofar as pharmaceutical exports are concerned - have remained a 'work in progress', much like other important unfinished items on the prime minister's agenda, such as the civil nuclear agreement negotiation and defence deals.

Under the Cepa, signed in February 2011, Japan accords national treatment to Indian drug makers vis-à-vis its domestic manufacturers but does not recognise pharmaceutical products exported by India to that market under a preferential tariff regime in terms of standards and quality.

National treatment to Indian pharma companies becomes irrelevant in the absence of a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) and easier regulatory guidelines. Under MRA, Japan is to recognise Indian medical degrees and treat the country's doctors and other medical personnel on par with its own.

Besides, Indian bulk drug makers have been trying to enter the Japanese market with their exports for long. Active pharmaceutical ingredient makers have been awaiting approvals from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, that country's drug regulator. This has proved a major non-tariff barrier for Indian drug exporters.

"India has repeatedly told Japan that its pharmaceuticals will immensely benefit the people there by providing affordable health care. Also, we have a huge pool of trained pharma scientists, doctors and researchers. This could open avenues for joint collaborative research and new drug discoveries, along with joint IPRs (intellectual property rights). But nothing has progressed on this front during the prime minister's visit," a senior official involved in the matter, who did not wish to be named, told Business Standard.

The official said Japan was "deliberately" delaying the matter because it was a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, a mega trade pact currently being negotiated by 12 countries - the US, Japan, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Under this deal, the members are planning to introduce stricter patent and IPR laws, especially in the pharma sector.

Interestingly, there was no mention of the India-Japan Cepa during Modi's joint press briefing with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Monday. But the issue was on Tuesday raised at the Japan-India Business Leaders Forum, under the aegis of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Indian industry leaders on Tuesday urged Japan to sign the pending MRA in the pharmaceutical sector to enable the two sides to identify the testing procedures and standards used in the other country for their goods.

In July, India had also showcased its prowess in the pharmaceutical sector at the 27th International Pharmaceutical R&D and Manufacturing Expo, jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), in Tokyo.

Pharmaceuticals form an important part of the India-Japan Cepa, also because India is running a huge trade deficit with that country. According to another official, Modi apparently raised the issue of addressing the soaring trade imbalance during his visit.

India's trade deficit with Japan, which was $3.6 billion in 2010-11, before the Cepa implementation, almost doubled in 2012-13 to $6.3 billion. Its exports to that country in 2012-13 was $6.26 billion, compared with imports of $12.50 billion. Two-way trade between the countries plummeted to $16.3 billion in 2013-14 from $18.5 billion a year earlier.

The matter was strongly taken up by Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her meeting with Kazuyoshi Akaba, Japan's state minister for economy, trade and industry, on July 31.

Before that, the issue was discussed in January last year, during Abe's visit to India, and followed up later by the previous government at successive meetings.

According to commerce & industry ministry data, India exported $56.71 million worth of pharmaceutical products to Japan in 2013-14. This was 15.31 per cent less than the previous year's $66.96 million.

Though India has not been able to increase its pharma exports to that country, a handful of Indian drug firms are increasing their footprints there. Among recent investments by Indian companies in Japan, Lupin acquired a 90 per cent stake in Osaka-based generics firm, Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry, for $85 million. Also, Zydus Cadila acquired Nippon Universal Pharmaceutical.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 04 Sep 2014 16:53

US endorses India-Japan strategic partnership - Jen Psaki - ET

The US has welcomed the just announced India-Japan Strategic Partnership and said it is looking forward to strengthen its trilateral co-operation with them.

"The US strongly supports India's collaboration and cooperation with its neighbours in the Asia Pacific. We actively support such collaboration through our trilateral dialogue and other activities with India and Japan, and look forward to strengthening further our trilateral cooperation," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

The US strongly supports a prosperous India playing an important role on the global stage, she said.

It is during the Obama Administration that India, Japan and the US have started trilateral meetings.

"As we have long said, a strong, prosperous India contributes to regional and global peace and prosperity," Psaki said responding to questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan this week.

During a meeting between Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, the two sides announced India-Japan strategic partnership and deepening of defence relationship.

The Pentagon welcomed the decision of India and Japan and said that the latter's participation in the Malabar exercise would be routine.

"We are very excited that Japan's participation in Exercise Malabar is becoming routine and believe that credible, ready, and inter-operable maritime forces help to preserve peace, prevent conflict, and foster a spirit of cooperation to meet regional and global challenges for mutual benefit," Jeffrey S Pool, a Defence Department spokesperson said.

American think-tank community has described Modi's Japan visit a great success.

"Modi's visit to Japan has been lauded by all corners as a great success," said Alyssa Ayres, Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, a top American think-tank.

"The United States has strongly supported strengthened ties between India and Japan (the US-India-Japan trilateral just one example), and the deliverables announced in the Tokyo Declaration complement components of US-India relations," Ayres said.

The joint emphasis on democracy, upgraded defence relations, science and technology, and a robust catalogue of economic undertakings all illustrate similarity with priorities in the US-India relationship, she said.

One major difference lies in the Japanese government's ability to mobilise large amounts of Overseas Development Assistance, particularly through soft loans, she added.

"The Tokyo Declaration puts Prime Minister Abe's commitment at 3.5 trillion yen over five years (around USD USD 33 billion). That's a much larger sum than the United States government typically mobilises, and at a time when the US Congress has not renewed the US ExIm Bank's charter, shows where Washington has a diminished ability to support similar projects," Ayres said.

"Countries like Japan are working with economic policy tools to meet the strategic interests of partners like India, especially on infrastructure. Some good lessons for us here," she said.

Writing for "Asia Unbound" a CFR foreign policy blog, Sheila A Smith wrote that in his five-day visit this week, Narendra Modi has made Japan's pivot to India even more enticing - and far more likely to succeed.

Modi's election in May has brought more energy to the relationship, she noted.

"As the television footage suggested, the two leaders seem to have a good chemistry, and enjoyed their time together. Modi even sent out messages of thanks to Abe via social media as he visited Kyoto and other spots in Japan," Smith said.

Abe, according to her, must be satisfied to see one of his main diplomatic efforts take root.

He has put considerable energy into developing new partners and opportunities for balancing China's rise, and India has long been an option that Tokyo's strategic thinkers have looked to develop, she observed.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 04 Sep 2014 17:35

Japan-India Business Forum Decides to Work on Specific Sectors - ET

Gus · Post by **Gus** » 04 Sep 2014 18:03

thalaivar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V4b5tQFXNc

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 04 Sep 2014 20:36

SSridhar wrote:US endorses India-Japan strategic partnership - Jen Psaki - ET

Lot of issues are bilateral between India and Japan.
US has no business to comment on the bilateral relations of India. It appears patronizing.

India and Japan are Asian countries. Just the bilateral relations have the ability to change the future of Asia and geopolitics