Ahmedabad, 29 May 2013

There are several things of Gujarat’s interest in joint statement issued by Prime Minister of India and Japan today.

One prominent development is about Ahmedabad-Mumbai high speed railway. The joint statement says that 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. The full para mentioning this is here: 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.

Gujarat’s Dahej has been mentioned in the joint statement. It should be mentioned that in the last Vibrant Gujarat summit, MoU was signed for seawater desalination project at Dahej. The joint statement also speaks about the Smart Community projects. It is worth mentioning here that Gujarat has signed MoU with Japan for execution of Smart Community project in the state. The relevant part of the joint statement says: 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.

The joint statement prominently mentions the importance of Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Major part of DMIC falls in Gujarat, and therefore any and every development on DMIC front is good for Gujarat.

Gujarat is a major gas user, and therefore the para on LNG related cooperation with Japan is also important for the state.

The two Prime Ministers, recognizing 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. As Gujarat falls between Delhi and Mumbai, the state will benefit from any such development.

Full text of joint Statement on Prime Minister’s visit to Japan: Strengthening the Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan beyond the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations:

1. The Prime Minister of India, H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, is currently on an Official Working Visit to Japan on 27-30 May 2013 for the Annual Summit of the Prime Ministers at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe. The two Prime Ministers held extensive talks on bilateral, regional and global issues on 29 May 2013 in Tokyo.

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-Japan Energy 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

Dr. Manmohan Singh Mr. Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister of the Republic of India Prime Minister of Japan