Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi will visit India from 1 to 3 July, summit will be held on trade and defense relations

New Delhi: An important step can be taken next month towards further strengthening the strategic, economic and technological partnership between India and Japan. According to diplomatic sources, the Prime Minister of Japan may visit India between July 1 and 3. If this visit goes as per schedule, this will be the first annual summit between the two countries after March 2022. Along with this, this will also be the first visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India after becoming the Prime Minister.

Important agreements can be signed

Detailed bilateral talks are expected between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart during the three-day visit. Many important agreements (MOUs) can be signed during this period. Apart from this, it is also proposed to organize a Japan-India Joint Economic Forum, in which senior officials and industry representatives from both the countries will discuss new opportunities to increase investment, trade and business cooperation.

Emphasis will be given on which areas to advance

Relations between India and Japan have continuously strengthened in the last few years. In the year 2014, both the countries had given the status of special strategic and global partnership to their relationship. After this, cooperation has continuously increased in many areas like defence, investment, trade, technology, innovation and people-to-people contacts. It is believed that this time in the talks there will be special emphasis on taking these areas further.

Partnership in important areas of future

According to sources, there may also be discussions on increasing partnership in future important areas like semiconductors, supply of critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), battery technology and pharmaceuticals. Along with this, measures to strengthen economic security and promote investment will also be considered. Strategic issues like cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, defense technology and regional stability may also be included in the major agenda in the meeting. Apart from this, industrial projects connecting the Bay of Bengal region and North-East India are also likely to be discussed.

Emphasis on green energy and private sector agreements

According to media reports, many important announcements related to green ammonia project, biogas, energy security and clean energy can be made during this visit. Apart from this, about a dozen government agreements and about 120 private sector business agreements can also be agreed in areas like AI, energy, critical minerals, pharmaceutical industry and advanced technology. However, all these possible agreements and announcements are yet to be officially approved.